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Ello :) Where this battle is fought and won is in what you eat on the night. If you keep it as low carb as you can then it will be that much easier to get back on the wagon. I'm currently having a bit of a refresh on exante (just finished week 1) and I had the exact same prob as you on...

Hey guys. Just chipping in to say I've been drinking Coke/Dr Pepper Zero while on exante and it hasn't affected my ketosis readings or losses. I'm not saying have it by any means but the lack of citric acid means it's ketosis safe for most people. It wasn't fizzy drinks that made me fat...

Hey gang. I'm jumping in on this. Lost 8 and a half stone with lighterlife in 2008/9. Put 4 stone back on then lost 2 with exante early this year. That 2 stone is back so I'm embarking on an 8 week stint to try and shift 3 stone before christmas. Hoping this will be the last time. Carrie...

I would echo most of the other comments on here. I lost over 120lbs on Lighterlife at the tail end of 2008/early 2009. It was without a doubt the best thing I've ever done. I don't regret it for a minute. I started at almost 22 stone and got down to less than 14. Did I keep it off? Sort of. As I...

Moved to the Working Solution this week so only 3.5lbs. Still a few days of Jan left! 2.5 to go! Cybill - 14lb - 15.5lbs lost FINISHED!!! Teetiefunk- 14lb - 15.5lbs lost FINISHED!!! Poppygirl - 28lb Chubbzey - 14lb Kenshin112 - 28lb spyro2008 - 14lb - 9lbs lost, 5 lbs to go JoanneM -...

I can't recommend this plan highly enough. It totally works. After 8 weeks I could run for 35 or even 45 minutes on my treadmill without stopping. If you don't feel ready to advance to the next step, you can just repeat the week you're on. :) On the bike now though due to dodgy knees. :(

Tanks all. Week 3 weigh in yesterday and another 5lbs off. Hardly any movement until Monday but got there in the end. One more week of TS to go then I'm moving on to WS. :)

Hey Guys, I've pasted below a high level guide of the Route to Management plan from Lighterlife (from the RTM forum). I actually lost nearly a stone when I did RTM. I'm essentially planning on using week 1&2 of RTM as my baseline (as I still have all the books etc) when I move to Exante...

5lbs for me this week. :) Cybill - 14lb - 9lbs lost, 5lbs to go Teetiefunk- 14lb - 12.5lbs lost 1.5lbs to go Poppygirl - 28lb Chubbzey - 14lb Kenshin112 - 28lb spyro2008 - 14lb - 9lbs lost, 5 lbs to go[/SIZE] JoanneM - 18lbs - 10.4 lost, 7.6 to go polishrose- 25lbs - 12 lost-13 to...

When doing the Route to Management phase of lighterlife the first few weeks are very restrictive and predominantly based around a low GI diet. Any sort of refined carbs are out and the first meals generally revolve around something and salad. Low fat cottage cheese, Poached Chicken breast, Tuna...

140 consecutive says on Lighterlife (all 20 weeks I was on abstinence) is my best. :)

I lost almost 9 stone on lighterlife a couple of years ago. Put 4 and a bit back on so am following Exante for a month or two to get some of it back off again. My losses have been fine so far. I was quite happy to go back to lighterlife if they offered a cheaper option without meetings but they...

One thing I have definately learned is that when you reach goal, the real work begins.

Cybill - 14lb - 9lbs lost, 5lbs to go Teetiefunk- 14lb - 8.5lbs lost 5.5lbs to go Poppygirl - 28lb Chubbzey - 14lb Kenshin112 - 28lb spyro2008 - 14lb - 9lbs lost, 5 lbs to go JoanneM - 18lbs - 9.9 lost, 8.1 to go polishrose- 25lbs - 7 lost-18 to go Sazzler - 14lb Dreamingmaid - 16lbs...

Quick update on the week 2 weigh in. 5.5lbs off this week. 17lbs in total. :)

It will slow your loss down. Although it's zero carbs if your body has alcohol in it then it will burn that for energy before anything else. Vodka still has calories in it. Not that I'm trying to tell you what to do or anything. Just that you'd probably lose more quicker if you didn't.

My first pack of the day is a bar with coffee when I get to my desk. Then a soup for lunch and shake when I get home. No one has asked any questions but I've decided to out myself anyway. My job involves a lot of lunching and evening dos. I wasnt going to say anything but it was starting to...

Toffee and nut bar for me overall. Fav shake- vanilla Fav soup - veg

I like it with tobasco. :)

Well done to everyone on their losses so far! :) Cybill - 14lb Teetiefunk- 14lb Poppygirl - 28lb Chubbzey - 14lb Kenshin112 - 28lb spyro2008 - 14lb - 7lbs lost, 7 lbs to go JoanneM - 18lbs - 6.8 lost, 11.2 to go polishrose- 25lbs - 3 lost-22 to go Sazzler - 14lb Dreamingmaid -...

Hi Kaz. I lost 8 stone in 20 weeks on lighterlife. It totally can be done. There's just one thing you need to do. Stick to the plan 100%. the absolute best thing about a VLCD is there's no leeway. If you can commit to eating nothing but Exante packs for the next 5-6 months you WILL lose that 10...

Hey all. Thanks for all the positive vibes! :)

Glad I could help alhough I know plenty of others do it too. Grated nutmeg in my vanilla shake tonight was pretty good too. Blending with plenty of ice makes it proper thick as well. :)

Hey all. I'm planning on 4 weeks of total then moving to working or simple solution. I'm sure I read an average loss of 10lbs per month can be expected on working solution. May have been in the leaflet you get in the bumper pack....

Hey Dudes. Well I have one full week under my belt and I'm happy to report a 11.5lb loss. That's more than my first week on Lighterlife. I guess that's cos I wasn't filling my glycogen stores with crimbo choccies the day before I started last time! :D Anywho, as always more detail...

I remember granulated sweetener being out on Lighterlife too. Tablet only.

I'm acutally quite impressed with the Exante packs. Though I think the Shakes on Lighterlife were nicer tasting I haven't found any exante ones I don't like. Now for the stuff I add! Banana Shake - Cinnamon Vanilla Shake - Nutmeg Choc Shake - Coffee & Sweetener Stawberrry shake - Nothing...

Hey all. I'm back too and doing Exante. Put half my weight back on and needed a serious kick up the backside. Plan on full abstinence for 8 weeks then redoing RTM (with Exante Packs). Just want to shift 3stone or so and have another crack at maintaining. Day 3 today and everything is going...

Hey all, Was debating whether or not to start a diary on here or not as I have my wordpress blog where I like to store all my ramblings. So this thread will be more of a summary and essentially, shameless plug (link in my sig) for all my more detailed entries. By way of a bit of back...

I would love to hoot but just don't think I can give up the scales. So much so that I;ve just been out to buy a new set! lol

I couldn't live without tobasco sauce in the soups towards the end of my stint on lighterlife. I also like a bit of coffee in my ice blended choc shake. :)

That's fab. Well done. Love the feeling of breaking into a new stone. I;m sure that will deff happen for you on weigh in day :) Say goodbye to the current number forever!

On the Kinect front, Your Shape: Fitness Evolved is a must buy for any dieter. £24.85 at shopto.net. :)

Good luck! I'm new to Exante but have done a VLCD before. On day one today myself. Stick to the plan and you'll love the results! :)

Cybill - 14lb Teetiefunk- 14lb Poppygirl - 28lb Chubbzey - 14lb Kenshin112 - 28lb spyro2008 - 14lb JoanneM - 18lbs polishrose- 25lbs Sazzler - 14lb Dreamingmaid - 16lbs Toots - 20lbs lucy4loop - 14lb Cookie - 14lbs fortyandfat - 14lbs Guy - 28lbs xconfusedx - 14lbs KtdKtd -...

You will be surprised how much better you'll feel in a few days time. One you're in ketosis, any hunger you feel will be (mostly) all in the mind. Spending a lot of time in the bath for the first few days is a good idea. It makes it that much more hassle to get to the fridge! :D I know how...

Hey all. Started today. Target for my week 5 weigh in (2nd feb) is 28lbs. :)

Thanks very much. I'm so annoyed at myself for letting it slip as much as I have. Decided to swallow my pride and go back on the packs before all 8 stone went back on. The pics show it can be done and I tell you, nothing feels like it. Just working up the nerve to post on my blog again...

Good luck! Today is also my day 1!

Ello. I'm in the exact same boat as you. Completed 17 weeks of abstinence on LL and lost around 8 stone. Also did RTM. Put 4 stone back on over the last 2 years and am now looking to exante for the same reasons as you. I don't need the CBT any more and the price it totally right. Anywho, I...

Hey guys. Thanks for the responses. I;m lucky in that the thought of abstinance doesn't faze me. I remained completely abstinent on Lighterlife for 6 months. Even over christmas so I'm confident I can to this ok. I had two Exante bumper packs delivered today and plan on day one being Friday...

Hey gang, I lost over 8 stone on lighterlife in 2008 and have put just under 4 back on for a combination of reasons. I was thinking about going back as a refresher to get these few stone off and have another crack at maintaining but then I found out about exante! I'm not bothered about...

Hey all. Long story short. Lost over 8 stone and finished RTM in April 2009. Put around 4 back on and am considering a refresher. I'm not daunted by it. I know I can do it for a couple of months but I'm just interested in the practicalities of it all. My health hasn't changed since...

I for one am never going back to the packs. I'm coming up to my 1 year anniversary since I started LL and am only a few pounds more than I was when I started RTM. I'm having a bit of a push right now to get my weight down a bit but I don't want to use LL as a crutch. Good luck to all who...

.........did 35 minutes on the treadmill. 425 calories baby! woooo! Feel the burn!

Not bad BL. Sometimes I lose the battle but I think I'm winning the war. The holiday/summer/BBQ season was always going to be a challenge. When I get through it I have the holiday season to look forward to!! How's things with you?

Ello :)

Remember what Winston said. 'If you're going though hell, keep going!' :)

Hi Chaps. I'm sorta here. :)

Good luck Anna. I;m always around to support the August 08 gang! :)

Do it.

Weird ain't it lol. I still can't quite believe it myself. It'll be you soon! :)

Thanks! I just finished last week. Now I'm concentrating on avoiding a maze of easter eggs! lol

Hello! It's good to see you back! :)

Hi gang. Just popping in to let you know that I've officially finished lighterlife as of today. Although I've being doing my own RTM for the last 8 weeks or so I've still be having my food packs and going to my LLC for weigh ins and today is the end of RTM week 12. I'm pleased to report that...

Good Luck!

Looking at your pic I wouldn't have said you were anywhere near 40. A bit off topic but I was actually quite shocked.

I have nowhere near as much strength as I used to have. I guess it's cos my muscles were used to carrying the weight so they could just lift more. I do feel good now don't get me wrong but I still find myself going into things with blind confidence without thinking about it. I nearly killed...

I was bloated aching and badly hungover. It was a morning where I had to get up with the kids and I just had no energy to deal with them. The very fact that I was thinking like that (can't be bothered) with my own kids was bad enough but I staggered on to the scales and they wouldn't give me a...

I know what you mean. What I eat at my desk has now become a spectator sport....

I have another one. My mother in law said to me a couple of weeks ago 'you look like XX did when he lost loads of weight. He looked awful!' Thanks very much......

This thread is good timing. Had something just this morning. After all I've been through and losing over 8 stone my wife described me as a hunch back whose skin is too big for his body! In reality all she was doing was making fun of my bad posture (it is bad) and my (somewhat) saggy bits but...

Well I can only talk from my own experience and I really think the RTM part of LL for men needs some serious work. I think it's far too long for a start. Now I didn't do my own RTM plan as such but I modified the plan to suit my needs. I decided I wanted to keep in contact with LL and still...

Yeah my LLC said I need to have maintained for a few months before being in it but she's encouraging me to start the process now. To be honest it's the whol phot shoot thing that puts me off. I;m more than willing to talk or write about it but pics ain't my bag.

My LLC keeps on at me about submitting 'My Story' for the mag as they don't have many blokes in it. I'm stil mulling it over....

I finally bought an issue of the LL mag from my LLC when I finished 20 weeks of abstinence cos I knew there were some good recipes it it. So I get home eager to try some out and what's the feature? Soup. You can't make this stuff up.

I believe the BB housemates are hauled off to a secret (foreign) location for a week or 2 before the series kicks off so going away in 'early may' makes sense too!

You've obviously never seen me talking about my spreadsheet! It's a thing of beauty lol :). Nothing goes in or out without being counted. I will never eat to gain. On the weeks I've gone over I've increased the exercise to get the net calorie target back on track purely because if I'm willing to...

I know what you mean Pete. When I added up the stuff I used to eat I couldn't believe it. Now, in RTm, I'm staggered by how much stuff you can eat (quantity wise) IF you pick the right things and the lower calorie alternatives. Right now I'm eating ALL day literally a little something every hour...

Tell me about it mate. How weird is it! I still think I'm going to wake up at any moment. I thought I'd had a gain yesterday but nope, registered the lowest weight so far this morning. I'm not complaining though lol....

Bars are fine. I'm having 2 a day at the mo (in an effort to curb weight loss).

I'm focusing much more on Body Fat % than BMI now myself Sean as I'm doing much more exercise than I was pre LL. I'm lucky enough to be around 17% at the moment. Not bad considering my percentage was somewhere in the 40's just 6 months ago. :eek: I've also had a healthy body fat percentage for...

Hi guys. I'm just popping in to say well done as I haven't for a while. It's good to see so many of you still going. :)

Has anyone else noticed that they've changed the peanut and cranberry bars? They're more chewy, higher in calories and lower in carbs. Better though. Water flavourings are extra. £9 a tub and make up 32 litres. They come in Fruits of the forest, St Clements and sunshine orange flavours. :)

I totally agree that you need to find your own way. I think it just depends on what your triggers are.Whilst I found the first 3 weeks of RTM fantastic, I just didn't need the phased approach after that. Everything has been on the menu for me for nearly 3 weeks and all is going fine. :) I'm...

It doesn't get any better in RTM guys. I had a severe blackout moment last weekend. The Vodka shots seemed like a good idea at the time lol.

It's great to hear from you Jim and I;m glad you've found a solution that's right for you though we'll all miss you on the LL wagon. Your story is truely.....I don't know what the word is. It struck a chord with me though my situation is no where near as sad. My parents divorced when I was...

I can't stand her but would obviously not wish this on anyone. I don't even blame her for milking it for all it's worth financially for her kids either. It's what I'd do. I would have a little more respect for her in generalt if she had nothing to do with Max clifford though.

Mate I'm cold ALL the time now. I thought it would get better once I was out of ketosis (as feeling cold is a side effect) but it hasn't got any better. My hands a freezing. Even cracking on some days. :( Still, could be worse. I could be 8 stone heavier. :D

lol. I'm thinking watering can, greenhouse, sleeveless top...... lol

Not yet. They've asked me to but I'm in two minds. It took me weeks to have pics in my sig let alone a mag! lol look at us totally hijacking Pete's thread. Sorry mate! Your pics are great too (In a manly slap on the back kind of way of course lol). Especially the poses. Can I put a request in...

Thanks Slenda! Just changed em again. May I say the same to you. I love the pic of you in one leg of the trousers.

I actually really miss the Chocolate/Ice/Coffee combo. How sad is THAT! lol.

At the risk of sounding like and old record, the only person who can put it back on is you. You're all the success stroy you need. :)

My LLC didn't charge me for 2 weeks when starting abstinence but she did when starting RTM. She charges £66 for the first week of RTM which covers your first and last week. Something about not having to pay on your last visit or something. Come to think of it, she never gave me the extra...

Well you must do what you think is right for you but if it were me I'd suffer through the weekend on 2 and a half packs a day/boullion and see how the land lies on Monday. Eating would certainly be a last resort. A pretty decent amount of sun is forecast over the weekend I think. But like I...

I really agree with this. I also think there's no such thing as an 'adult decision to eat' If you're commiting to abstinance, the adult decision is to abstain. It CAN be done. Unless it's medical grounds or something of course.... :)

Good luck. As BL said it's up to you at the end of the day. LL is just one of many tools to get you there. You are the only one who can keep it off at the end of the day. Doesn't mean you can't keep posting. You'll always be a lighterlifer. :)

I always thought BMI and body fat percentage were two very different things. I could have the same BMI as a rugby player but much more body fat for example. I always thought Body Mass index is a straight comparrisson between hight and weight regardless of fat percentage where as body fat is a...

Hello! It's all gone a bit quiet in the RTM forum lately. The more the merrier! :)

I remember one of my first blog posts mentioing Lawrence Dallagio as an example of this. His BMI is obese! I think it's horses for course at the end of the day. My BMI isn't lower than 25 but my body fat percentage is less than 20% (healthy). I'm not putting much stock in my measurements cos I...

I'm glad you're getting on well. I must admit, RTM is definatley the hard part. I don't think you should feel bad about the chocolate. At least there is some sort of physical explanation for it (endorphins etc). And at the end of the day, it's about balance. I know rewarding with food is...

I can confirm that it's a fantastic feeling matey. As someone who uses a bus and train every day it's made a huge difference to me. I sat in the middle seat on the train this morning. I know it sounds like a small thing but in my world, it's a huge development! and well done pete on your 100...

It's going ok I guess. I was concerned that i was eating too much fruit at one point but I'm watching my calorie intake like a hawk and fruit is essentially the easiest way to up it. I'm burning around 1100 calories a week on the treadmill now but I am a little confused about gross and net...

Ello. :) As I start week 5 next thursday I'm planning on replacing my lunch time soup foodpack with a regular soup (low fat of course). This lets me bring back the chocolate shake to have as my second pack (along with the bar). Am I still restricted to 1 bar a day? Two bars a day instead of...

I've been asked and my LLC gave me a form but I haven't decided yet. She reckons there's a good chance as they don't get many blokes.

I know what you mean. I started week 3 today and I'm eating almost every 2 hours now! My food diary for today. 7am - Mandarin muller light and a Sharon fruit 9:30am- peanut bar and coffee 11:30am - apple 1:30pm - mushroom soup 4pm - Pear 7pm - Chicken Breast with Salad 8pm - 1/4 pint sugar...

Curses. I've been wanting a porridge pack since day one! I;ll look forward to trying it. :)

Tell them if they want to give you a week off and £66 you'll eat. On a serious note, power through. You'll feel great once you have. We've all been there and worse. It CAN be done. One of the best things you can do on this plan is develop a severe stubborn streak. The more people went on at me...

It may have involved her leaving the room and a bad American football impression..........

Hellllooooooo January lighterlifers. Just popping my head in to say well done to everyone on their losses and keep up the good work! :)

my LLc has one of those 5lbs of fat thing. We er.....nearly broke her TV with it lol.

I'm at the exact same stage (time wise) as I start week 3 of RTM on Thursday. I find my portions at my evening meal are bigger now than when I started but I've been obsessively counting the calories and I'm on a plan where I'm eating every 3 hours and still not having enough calories. I guess my...

Here you go, This is from the LL book for week 4. FYI, frozen quorn chicken pieces (300g) are only £1 a bag in Morrisons at the mo. Easy Veg Curry (Serves 2) 1 sweet red pepper 1 courgette 1onion 400g tinned tomatoes 2 cloves Garlic (crushed) 2 cloves (optional) 1tbsp stock 1tbsp mild/medium...

Hellooooooo! Yep, looks like it's just us two but this thread is our legacy. We can't let it die! I'll be interested to hear the ins and outs of LLL as quite a few people have been asking me about it. As for me I'm finding myself in the rather odd feeling position of still losing weight when...

Righto. I'm determined to keep it going until August. :D

Yeah looks pretty much the same Anna. I gotta be honest, it's a pretty good menu. I'm half way through week 2 and most of the stuff I have is still from week 1. Good luck on LLL by the way. It sounds like the middle ground between full abstinence and eating that you need. I'm sure it'll work...

Good luck Anna. Dare I say it but I may have to start watching Big Brother again if you go in. :) Oh and play up the Women's institute thing. I reckon they're loving that.

Thanks mate! The more comments the better. :)

Aye, it does get easier. One thing i would say is try to look at it as 'choosing not to have' as opposed to 'can't have'. In my experience it's the people with the 'cant' have' mentality that don't stay the course. I'm sure you're all taking this approach anyway. :)

:o awwwww thanks. That means a lot to me. Thanks for reading the blog. :) and thanks to you BL and Catz for the responses. I guess I'm getting a little worried as I'm already about half a stone under where I want to mantain long term. Guess that gives me some room for the glycogen I spose. :)

Hi guys. First day of week 2 for me today and it says I can now have yoghurt. Is that just plain or can I have the very low fat/fat free 'flavoured' kind in the little pots? Any recommendations? Also, I'm finding myself in the position of not really wanting to lose any more weight. What's the...

Owwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!! Enough with the pinching already. I'm awake! ;) :p

Well done Andy. You look great! :)

Thanks for all the great comments guys. I certainly have had some challenges along the way and I am proud of my achievement but I promise you that all I've done is stuck to the plan 100% and these are the results. This place has helped me no end. I can honestly say that I don't think I could...

I know what you mean. Before if I'd had a good week eating wise I'd celebrate with a chinese on Saturday and start being good again on Monday. If I had a bad week eating wise, I'd have a chinese on saturday and start again on Monday. Talk about a vicious circle. Madness! It's one of the great...

Thanks for all the comments guys. Couldn't do it without you. I guess I actually look my age now lol. LS, most of the big numbers come at the end of a 2 week stint. I think I've averaged about 5.5lbs a week though. Definately one of the lucky ones. :)

I've learned so many things and I guess different people will take many different things from LL. I guess some of my main ones are.... If you want it bad enough. You will get it. If you're gonna lapse, wait 20 mintues. Only you can do it. Don't avoid food situations. Power through...

All, Just got my official pics from my LLC so thought I'd post em. :) Slight diffeence lol. G

Thanks! I think I need all the luck I can get. I'm under no illusions that the hard part is coming. But, I have a secret weapon. You and BL! :D I've seen conflicting reports about what you should weigh at the end of management. Some saying you weigh the same as you started and others saying...

Hi guys. Just thought I;d post that I'm now officially on the RTM. Day one today! I had my last weigh in of abstinence last night and start RTM 9lbs under my target weight. :)

Well done chaps. You're all doing fantastic so far. I'm here to tell you it doesn't stop getting better. As this seems to be the new blokes thread I had my last weigh in of abstinence last night (week 20) and shifted 4lbs. That's 109lbs (7 stone 11lbs) in less than 5 months. First day of route...

Morning Augustus peeps. I still refuse to let this thread die! Had my week 20 weigh in last night and lost 4lbs. That's my final weigh in of development and takes me to a total of 109lbs or 7 stone 11lbs. First day to RTM today! Eeeeek. I was organising my foodpacks last night and was...

I have the normal one. If you want the reduced salt version I believe they do it in Tesco. Purple lid I think.

Didn't you say you were low carbing before you started? If you were then your glycogen stores would have already been low. As most of what you lose in the first week are these glycogen stores you can take heart that a higher percentage of your loss was probably fat when compared to most new...

Thanks mini me. I'm making my food plans as we speak. I'll look forward to getting the extra books. I;ll see if I can get em out of my LLC early. :)

I find they don't fill me up as much as the other packs. I used to have mine before bed but since dunking a peanut bar into hot coffee I now have one every morning during the week at my desk. Highlight of my day at the mo. Toffee is ok but a distant 4th behind peanut, cranberry and Lemon IMO.

Thanks. I only have a dedicated week 1 book, week 1-7 recipe book and a route to managment journal. Hmmmm, maybe LL for men RTM is different when it comes to literature. Maybe they think we can't take in that much info early on lol. I was asking cos I know you can add snacks etc when you drop...

Helloooooooo managers. I figure I might aswell keep my annoying questions in one place. Ok. I've devised a pretty basic food plan for weeks one and two. I'm keeping it simple (based around fish, Chicken and cottage cheese with mixed leaf & Lemon juice (from day 3) but I'm now wondering about...

Well done. I love this kind of thing. It really helps to keep you motivated. I had lunch with an ex co worker last week and she weighs the same as I've lost. It freaks me out.

Yeah I only had to pay for my first week too. Strangely I need to pay for my first and 12th week of RTM at the same time though. Lighterlife really need some standard guidlines or something....

I hated the Thai Chilli when I started but it's one of my fav now. I don't blend my soups anymore cos I tried them once without blending and I didn't even realise they had 'bits' in em. I'd been 'bitless' for about a month! lol

Yeah I drink loads. Generally 5 litres a day. I'm sure I'm still in ketosis but having my packs so close together still could have caused a blood suger spike in comparisson to the consistent level I've been used to over the last few months. In reality it's probably none of these things. I'm...

Morning. :) My last week in abstinence is a bit of a pants one to be honest. I;ve been struggling for the last 2 days. Been getting some hunger pangs for some reason. I had all 4 of my packs quite close together the other day (cos I forgot to take two to work) so I don't know if that's knocked...

I've had a bit of a blonde moment with dates too (lol). It was my 10 year anniversary of working in the city last week. It was one of my major goals to be the same size or less compared to when I started working here on the 4th Jan 1999 and the date just went by without me even thinking about it...

I can identify with that as I've done over 7 in 4 months and been overweight for as long as I can remember. 4 Months is nothing in reality. and I have my shakes with ice all the time. I'm sipping an ice chocolate with coffee as I type!

I might go for some of this soon. I've generally been ok but the last couple of weeks have been a nightmare.

Thanks LS. I posted over there. Here's some balloons to go with your flowers and cheer you up:553: :)

Thanks for all the help. I have a question about Bars now. The new Raisin & choc bars. Are they maintenance only or can you have them during RTM? I'm just working out my food packs. Yes, I am that obessive about LL lol.

I think this is the key with bars. At least it was for me too. I refused to be a slave to them so I didn't have nay for the first week and when i did start having them, they were always my last pack of the day. I've changed that now cos I'm over the whole bar thing. I have a peanut bar dunked...

Yeah I do love wordpress but I picked that for a practical reason like you did Anna. There's a wordpress application for the iphone that lets me blog/draft/manage on the move. Not that i ever do it lol.

I tried Vanilla with ice and Coffee last night for the first time in a while and I definately think the Chocolate (with ice and coffee) goes better. I am a Mocha fan though. Always have been. I also had a cranberry bar last night for the first time in a while. Really enjoyed it. Hmmm, must...

it is weird. I never put much stock in this whole 'head catching up with your body' before but I'm really suffering with it now. and i have every confidence if you Anna. I'm sure you can succeed. I;m sure you just need one or two weeks under your belt (lol) so you can get firmly back on track...

Thanks. It's all a bit of a blur to be honest. There were a few weeks where it dragged like hell though. I'm still in denial i think.... Sometimes I feel like I'm gonna wake up any minute.....

I know what you mean about cost. I worked out what I;ve paid so far for the first tiem the other day. I take heart though cos RTm goes down to £33 a week after the first two weeks (£49). Half the cost of foundation. I know my food bill will go up but, as I'll be eating like a mouse (lol). I...

Excellent! the more August starters that come back the better! Good luck back on the plan. What was the story Polly? Did you just not fancy the RTM plan? I can't remember...

Thanks guys. I'm not fishing for compliments but I'll take em anyway lol :p I can honestly say that I haven't done anything special. Just follow the plan to the letter and you will be where I am in a few short months. I still can't believe I was sitting here typing at over 21 stone just 4 months...

Oh yeah I'm certainly not complaining. You've been here for a while now and Andy is also here. I guess there'd be alot more men around but I don't think a majority of men that do LL take it as seriously as we do. At least that's the impression I get from my group some times. My bigger losses...

My LLC has asked me to come in and talk to her new starters about goals as I'm always banging on about them in my group (I had about 20 lol). I'm really looking forward to that. I don't think I'd want to go as far as being a locum and dealing with all the admin that involves but I'm more than...

Maybe jealous is the wrong word. Reminiscent maybe, or sentimental or something. heh, it's like Stockholm syndrome! Maybe I'm in denial that I'm actually there lol. This is no slight on the girls but I guess I never really had any gent’s type camaraderie on message boards during my time...

I'm actually quite jealous of these blokes starting. What's wrong with me lol?! I don't think there were any other male August starters.....

I'm lucky in that I don't mind most of them. I guess my favorite of the 3 types are peanut bars (dunked in hot coffee), Chocolate shakes (blended with ice and coffee) and New veg soup. Least favorite are fruit bars, Chicken soup and Strawberry shake.

The blokes don't have weekly DVDs and never have since I've been there but if the one I watched in week 1 is anything to go by, you're not missing anything.

lol. I was moaning something chronic about having to have 50 or more posts before I could look at pics etc. It should be about quality not quantity. ;)

Feeel free to moan at me as much as you like. I'm very sorry to hear of your struggles but don't lose sight of the positive. You're still here. Many aren't. Just look at this thread for proof! I was going to suggest RTM early as an option but have you tried 'cooking' any of your packs? I'm...

I know matey. I had to go to Dublin in october for a work conference. It's a right piss up and seemed like a good idea at the time of booking. It's one of the reasons I say a stick blender is a must. I made a post about it on my blog. I think I called it 'Planes, Trans and Stooooopid cups'. I...

No worries. I stayed away from bars for weeks for the same reason but I have 1 a day now and they haven't affect my losses at all. They are there for practicality at the end of the day. My fav is peanut bar dunked in hot black coffee mmmmmmm. Sorry, I'm fantasising about it more than ususal...

you're not fooling anybody you know...... :p

When you get through the first (bar free)few days I would suggest a shake before you leave and a bar for lunch, soup when you get home, shake before bed. Similar routine to mine except my soup was at luch cos we have a kitchen. :)

I feel your pain. I had a massive family party on day 3. Just get through it and you'll feel great. :) There was a moment when someone who knew I was on the diet was winding me up by putting a beer bottle in my mouth by surprise and teasing me something chronic. Now I'm not a violent person...

MUHAHAHAHAHAHA I refuse to let this thread die! Too much blood, sweat and tears shed in this thread to let it be lost forever. It's making a come back! Sweety, Anna, I;m looking at yous! Hows the progress going? I had my week 19 weigh in last night and shifted 5lbs. That's 105lbs or 7 and a...

Trust me when I say if you don't have a stick blender. Get one.

Hi guys. Well done on starting. One thing I would suggest is blending the Chocolate shake with Ice, a sweetener and teaspoon of coffee. I've only just started doing it after nearly 20 weeks and I don't know where it's been all my life! I do it with Vanilla too but without the coffee.

C'mon, LS can't tee up something like that and not expect someone to take a swing lol. Welcome new blokes! Stick with it fellas. It really works. I hit 7 and a half stone tonight! :)

Okey dokey. My plans have just changed and I've had a phone call from my LLC. I can pick my books up tonight! Oh and I'll certainly be obsessive when it comes to planning meals in advance etc. :) So it'll be fish only for me on days 1 and 2. How exciting lol.....

Thanks Tange. I find that strange that there are no guidelines on portion size but I guess it's difficult as everyone is different but there could at least be some sort of guide table or something based om sex/weight/BMI. So basically, If I have a bit of fish or skinless chicken with some...

Ello Managers :) I’m glad to say that I’ll be joining your ranks next week as I start RTM next Thursday. I’m doing a two week stint as my last in full abstinence cos I can’t make it to my LLC before my last abstinent weigh in on the 14th (Otherwise I would have tried to get my book early)...

There's nothing better than a tidy sticky section.......so to speak...

Welcome. We may even be able to get the blokes sticky thread going again. :)

You look fantastic Anna. Awesome figure. heh, I'm a bit late to the party but better late than never. :)

Hiya, Don't worry about having more to lose than others or being biggest as you'll all be in the same boat. You'll also be a voice of experience when new people come on board who by then, will probably be bigger than you and have more to lose! It's all relative. :)

Thanks for all your comments guys. This is the big one but I'm eyeing up 8 stone now. 12lbs to go! lol, I'm obsessed.:sign0151:

I think it depends on your LLC to be honest. I don't think mine is comfortable going anywhere under 23.

Hi all. I had my week 17&18 weigh in tonight and lost 9lbs. I've now lost 100lbs exactly (7 stone 2lbs) and reached my major target! :) My LLC is going to use my pics in the local paper and wants me to send in 'my story' and talk to her new male group about Goals! lol, get me. 2 more weeks...

Thanks! I did make a thread with my pics in too but I think it's gone now. It's been a long road but I'm finally there. :)

Carl, I don't normally promote my blog (apart from the link in my sig lol) but feel free to check it out. I've kept it up to date and pretty detailed since I started. There are plenty of other blogs out there too but recent blokes blogs are few and far between. :)

Hello! Yes if you don't reach your goal during foundation you stay on the packs until you want to stop. Lighterlife generally quotes a 3 stone loss in the 8 weeks but everyone is different. I lost 51lbs (3stone 9lbs) in the first 8 weeks.

It must be so hard to find an amount that's right for you. I think it's important to eat enough. I say this cos I was dieting pretty heavily a couple of years ago and wasn't really losing anything. I joint weight watchers and was staggered by the amount of stuff I could eat in a day and still be...

Oh I defintately feel people are like that. I'm going to use it as motivation to keep it off. Don't want to give the cynics the satisfaction. I wouldn't dwell on it. Just enjoy proving them wrong.

Well done BL. We're all very proud of you. I'm starting RTM in a couple of weeks. Prepare to be grilled for advice.... :)

Oh no I was pretty sure I could do it. I'm not saying it wasn't hard or that I didn't struggle but it was the thrill of this one last big challenge that saw me through. I needed it to convince myself I've finally changed for good (especially being so close to goal). It was that, and logic. I...

Well done! :) I think I'm gonna feel like this at my weigh in tomorrow. If anyone else actually turns up. I've vitually been on my own for the last 2 weeks.....

I have 3. Get Fit Maintain my weight Have the best Christmas of my life

Nice post BL. I'm pleased to say that I survived! Big test is today though. I have a house full. Burned off over 400 calories on the old treadmill this morning though now I can get to it. I'm gonna dirty hurt tomorrow......

Well done to everyone who got through the day. :) I'm pleased to say I got through xmas without eating too. Sheesh it was tough. I was soooooooooooo close at one point. Closest I've ever been to lapsing but I came back from the brink! Just! Hardest day so far without a doubt. The weird thing was...

Mate I've been saying that to myself about every 5 minutes lol. :)

Just thought I'd add my voice the crowd. I'm struggling big time today. I;ve come the closest to lapsing that I ever have since I started. I'm hanging in there so far. This Christmas sucks.

Wow. Some great advice in this thread. I'm not even going to try to top it but I just wanted to say you're far from alone. We're all in the same boat on this crazy journey. :) I just want to say aswell that you're not alone on the fear factor. I;m starting RTM in 3 weeks and I'm bricking it. I...

Well done mate. I think I lost about the same in foundation. Keep it up! :)

Anna, I'm sorry to hear that you've been struggling and I can't really say much more that what's already been said in this thread. What I can say though is please don't withdraw from here during times like this. It's when you need us the most. We won't judge you. With that said, you sound...

Thanks everyone for your very kind comments. I still have a little way to go before I hit goal (6lbs by my scales) and am going to continue abstaining until week 20 and start RTM on week 21 (15th Jan). I want to build in a bit of contingency. :) I still can't believe my before photos. Actually...

Hi guys. Well it's been 16 weeks so I figure it's time to post some pics. I think I better explain the T shirt first. I bought it blind from ebay about 6 months ago and it was supposed to be a XXL. Well, it was like a wetsuit. I would never wear anything that tight in public but, as it was the...

Bl. Check out Lets Eat American Home they have it there. Sorry can't post direct link. I'm on my mobile. Also, there's a pretty good martha Stewart video podcast out there where she makes it from scratch.

Thanks. I agree that coming off around christmas is just not the smart thing to do. and update your blog woman! I keep clicking on it cos it says updated! :p

Annaphylactic - Tuesdays - 21lb - 18lb so far! Bekimo - Wednesday - 21lb - 24lb so far! BROKEN MY TARGET!!! :D Bronte - Fridays - 20lbs - 18 lbs so far ! catznolan - wednesday - 24lb - 20lb so far!!:) Cherry plum – Thursdays – 21lbs - 15lbs so far Emzski - mondays - 18.5 lbs - 19lbs so far...

Yeah. There was a girl at my info meeting with her BF. He was skinny as a rake. Git.

Morning all. Another 5lbs for me last night. Single digits to go! I had a blood pressure check done last night so I think I'm gonna carry on for another 4 weeks in abstinance as it's hassle free. Should hit goal in 2 but it gives me another 2 weeks to build in some contingency. :)

That my friend is the key. You have to have the most serious mind with this. I'm not going to lie to you, it'll be one of the hardest things you've ever done but the sense of achievement is fantastic. Look at me. I'm over 6 stone lighter in less than 4 months! I've been through the worry about...

Marvellous. I'm putting my £132 towards a new suit! :)

Something my LLC says all the time stays with me constantly. You read all the time about people saying 'I've made an adult decision to eat' or some variation of that statement. She says that's the last thing it is and that if you're on foundation or developers, the adult decision is to abstain...

I'm sorry to hear about your mum but I really relate to this issue. I haven't seen my mum for over 15 years either. I've asked myself the above question several times. I don't think anyone can advise you on this one. It's got to be your decision. :)

It's certainly helping me. I firmly believe if you can get through crimbo without lapsing, you can get through anything. :)

I;ve done a complete 180 on this issue over the last couple of months. I won't be eating. I feel like I need one more big challenge before I've convinced myself I've changed for good. What better than the mother of all food challenges?

Sweety. Alot of what you said resonates with me. Especially about people saying I'd lost enough and I definately also suffer with the inability to take a compliment. I suppose I would just echo what Tange said. They're your goals an no one elses. I think you need to be more selfish. I've...

"Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path. You know you may never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb." -...

W................T.................F? You say you don't want to go back to your own ways. Don't. I know that's very easy to say and I have to be honest, I wrote two of the most fed up, moaning posts I've ever made on my blog when I was ill. Of all the challenges I've faced I found being sick...

Hi Sweety. Sorry to hear you STS but as you say, at least you had a great loss last week. You're the master of your own destiny. I know what you mean about others in the group. A couple of the chaps in mine are returners and I have some days where that very prospect frightens the life out of me...

No worries. Yesterday?? What happened yesterday? I didn't see anything.... Nothing to see here..... //waves hand.....move along, move along..... ;)

:( Sorry to hear that Anna but like others have said, get back on track right now and just put it down to a learning experiance. You won't have put weight on and you're probably not out of ketosis and even if you were, it wouldn't take long for you to go back in. This is what I will say...

lol. Sorry for making you late! thanks for reading it though. There are certainly some highs and lows in that blog. It's one of my top tips for new starters actually (to start a blog). It's definately helped to keep me on the straight and narrow. :)

I nicked this from the curious about RTM thread. Look at all the stuff you can have by week 5! Warning. Food below! Week 1 1 meal, 3 foodpacks, 4 litres of water – £49 Chicken (skinless) Cottage cheese (plain) choose the lowest fat option Egg whites, hard boiled Fish, any, fresh...

Thanks all. :) I've never told you BL but you're one of the two people who inspired me to start during my pre LL research. Your diary thread was a big help. :) and Anna, You crack me up in general and I'm glad we're both August starters (not forgetting Sweety too!). You hear this or...

Morning all. I’m not one for posting threads. I think this may even by my first one! My main goal when starting lighterlife was to lose 6 stone by Christmas and have an ‘overweight’ BMI of less than 30. Well, I had my week 15 weigh in last night and I’ve now officially lost 6 stone 2lbs and...

It feels great. I almost fainted when I fit into a size large coat in River Island. I had also kept an outfit that I wore 6 years ago and now it's too big!

Annaphylactic - Tuesdays - 21lb - 17lb so far! Bekimo - Wednesday - 21lb - 18lb so far! Bronte - Fridays - 20lbs - 18 lbs so far ! catznolan - wednesday - 24lb - 16lb so far!! Cherry plum – Thursdays – 21lbs - 15lbs so far Emzski - mondays - 18.5 lbs - 19lbs so far Futureyummymummy- Tuesdays -...

Well done! Excellent loss. :) I'm determined to keep this thread alive even if there is hardly any of us! Had my week 15 weigh in last night and shed another 3.5lbs. Hit some big time targets this week. I've now officially broken 6 stone lost and my BMI has dropped below 30. OMG! I'm...

Hi guys //waves I just thought I'd stick my head in to say good luck! I had to wait a few weeks before I started but it'll come round before you know it! I'm not going to lie to you. It will be one of the hardest things you've ever done in your life but the results speak for themselves. I...

I think determination was a key theme for me too as well as the cost. Also commited I think. I very much had the attitude of 'go all the way or don't go at all'. Sticking to the plan has always been an ever present goal. It turns out that was my most important goal too as there are men in my...

I think LL costs £66 pounds a week regardless. That's just the cost at the end of the day. Otherwise it's like buying a weekly train ticket and expecting to pay less the next week if you didn't use it for a couple of days. With that said though you may be lucky with your LLC. I know my LLC...

Hi guys. 5.5lbs this week. Annaphylactic - Tuesdays - 21lb - 14lb so far! Bekimo - Wednesday - 21lb - 18lb so far! Bronte - Fridays - 20lbs - 14 lbs so far ! catznolan - wednesday - 24lb - 14lb so far!! Cherry plum – Thursdays – 21lbs - 15lbs so far Emzski - mondays - 18.5 lbs - 14.5lbs so far...

Hi guys. I;m feeling really lucky today as I lost another 5.5lbs last night at my week 14 weigh in. Just 1.5lbs to go before I hit 6 stone lost. I think it was a tad higher than usual cos I got weighed at 7pm instead of 9pm and I'd had half as much water than usual. I reckon it'll even itself...

Yeah they stopped the caramel shake. That was the first foodpack I ever had. I was excited cos it smelled like butterscotch angel delight but it tasted rank!

lol, not me Anna. I think my wife would have something to say about it.

I've now lost a gold brick! Wish I could find it....

5lbs gone this week. Annaphylactic - Sundays - 21lb - 3lb so far! Bekimo - Wednesday - 21lb - 9lb so far! Bronte - Fridays - 20lbs - 4 lbs so far ! catznolan - wednesday - 24lb - 11lb so far!! Cherry plum – Thursdays – 21lbs - 15lbs so far Emzski - mondays - 18.5 lbs - 12.5lbs so far...

Jeez, we sure know how to kill a thread lol. Anyway, had my week 13 weigh in last night and lost another 5lbs. that's 5 and a half stone exactly. 23 lbs to go!

Or a gold cat suit lol. I'm sure Stacey Slater was wearing something like that at a Bond party in Eastenders. Not that I er.....watch Eastenders or anything.....

I think it's one of the most important things to have mini goals. I have 16! I hit one either every week or every two weeks on average. For example last week I hit 5 stone and this week I may have lost 25% of my original body weight. I don't know how I could have stayed motivated without...

Huzzah! Go Naked and paint yourself gold. 5 quid. Job done.

It certainly can. Although my first draft of the above post said that 'I got a large on in River Island' lol :8855:

I can't live without Tabasco sauce. I have it in all my soups. I didn't like Thai chilli at first but I do now. :)

Well done everyone! There seems to be a real buzz in the August thread of late! I had a pretty good weekend meself. Dedicated some of the christmas shopping time to trying on an XL in every high street shop I can find. They all fitted! I even fitted into a coat in size Large in River Island. I...

I don't mind most of them. I get 1 banana, 4 choc, 4 vanilla, 4 veg, 4 chilli and 4 mushroom. On the bars front I get 2 peanut, 2 lemon, 2 cranberry and a toffee. there is a bloke in my group who gets 21 choc shakes and 7 peanut bars though.

Drinking myself unconcious sounds alright at this point.... ;)

Annaphylactic - Sundays - 21lb - 3lb so far! Bekimo - Wednesday - 21lb - 9lb so far! Bronte - Fridays - 20lbs - 4 lbs so far ! catznolan - wednesday - 24lb - 7lb so far!! Cherry plum – Thursdays – 21lbs - 11lbs so far Emzski - mondays - 18.5 lbs - 10.5lbs so far Futureyummymummy- Tuesdays -...

Well done to everyone on their losses this week. Had my week 12 weigh in last night and lost 5lbs. That's 5 stone 2lbs so and 2 stone to go before I hit the 100lbs lost target!

No harm at all in rewarding yourself but if you start the programme and do lose the 5 stone, I can pretty much guarantee you that the sentance in your sig will be long gone anyway. :) :)

I;m not a fan of the Tomato soup either. Let's face it, if it's not heinz, why bother? lol

I love chinese too and I'll certainly be having it again. It just own't be as a reward. It'll be cos I want it and am choosing to live with the potential consequences. I know all this thinking sounds a bit weird but it'll all make sense once you start. :)

Heh, this is the sort of thing I used to do. Rewarding with food I mean. If I had a good week (food wise) I'd celebrate and have a Chinese. If I had a bad week, I'd have a Chinese with the excuse that I'd start again on Monday. Talk about a no win situation lol. Oh and on the mother front...

I do forget about that Anna lol. On ther other hand, we die earlier. ;) I guess it all depends on week one. Some of the lucky ones shed a stone or more in their fist week..... I know that's glycogen etc but it's still counts. :)

Whilst I do agree with most of the comments here, if it were me, I'd start. I was so pumped to start Lighterlife I was all set to start the diet the day before my birthday and a week before a big wedding I'd been waiting for. It turned out that I had to wait 3 weeks to start in the end so I got...

I definately think it's the best thing I;ve ever done for myself as I've just hit 5 stone lost in 12 weeks. With that said though it requires a serious commitment. Think long and hard about if you can stick to the plan or not. If you really think you won't be able to get through christmas then...

I've done a complete 180 on this issue. Before I started I was always going to eat low carb at christmas regardless. That would be week 18 for me and I was always of the view that if I can't handle 1 meal after 18 weeks of counselling then the diet hasn't worked at all. With that said though...

I'm in! I'm countint it from last week. Will have my first result tomorrow. Annaphylactic - Sundays - 21lb - 3lb so far! Bekimo - Wednesday - 21lb - 3lb so far! Bronte - Fridays - 20lbs - 4 lbs so far ! catznolan - wednesday - 24lb - 3lb so far!! Cherry plum – Thursdays – 21lbs - 11lbs so...

This case is beyond belief. They need to sort out the inconsistency in social services in this country. I'm glad to say that the Essex social services seem to be pretty switched on. A few weeks ago our 18 month old slipped and hit his head on our TV unit. A trip to A&E and a couple of...

Morning all. Well done to everyone on their losses so far. Had my week 11 weigh in last night after another 2 week stint and lost another 10lbs. Takes me to a total loss of 67lbs or 4 stone 11lbs. Should hit 5 stone next week!

Hi gang. I'm just checking in. Missed my weigh in last week as I was away with work. All looking good though. I'm trying to hit 5 stone lost by my week 12 weigh in (19th November) for a night out with ex work mates. Looks like I'm on track according to my scales. I'm almost 16 stone something...

Well done Polly. 3 stone in 9 weeks is a great achievement as it seems the ladies lose slower than the blokes. :)

Hello! Good luck! Thid diet really works. I'm 9 weeks in and over 4 stone lighter!