Incorporating body for life with Cathe

[winter2b]

OK...I have looked at the BFL program in the past, and I really like the principles of stoking the metabolism with small meals and eating more cleanly. My question is how do you incorate the exercise portion with Cathe? Do you think I would get good results focusing on the BFL eating portion and then doing my Cathe cardio and weights (60 min cardio 3 days, 30 minute cardio and 1 upper 1 lower body and one full body day)instead of their exercise plan?

This is a dense question, but would you consider BFL "Clean eating"?

Thanks!
Amy

 

[Jcrew3082]

Amy,

I've also liked the BFL principles. I've been thinking about revisitng the BFL exercise concepts lately. I liked those quick yet effective 30 minute cardio sessions! I think there have been other posts about BFL, so you may want to do a search. I'm going to do this, and if I come across anything that answers your question, I'll post again.

As for clean eating, yes, I think BFL is pretty clean from what I remember. The Myoplex shakes are the only thing that might be questionable.

Hope that helps!

 

[MRSchultz]

I'd be interested in seeing some responses on this to from some of you that incorporate the two.

~Marcia~

 

[fitchick1716]

I've done BFL and I do Cathe workouts, but I've never done the two simultaneously. From my experience, BFL worked REALLY well for me the first time I tried it several years ago (before my Cathe days). I completed about 8 weeks of the 12 week cycle but stopped after a car crash with a drunk driver.

I tried it again a couple of years later and it didn't have quite the same effect. I don't know if my body just wasn't shocked enough anymore or if I wasn't quite as dedicated maybe???

For me, the most important part of Body for Life was the eating. I was working out very consistently before I started the program (I worked at a gym) but once I started the eating plan, I really dropped body fat.

Thinking back on the program and Cathe videos, I think it could definitely work to do both at the same time. Just alternate cardio and strength training and see how it goes. Don't get discouraged on the program though - I didn't start seeing great results until week 5 or 6. Let us know how it goes!

One more thing - the Eating for Life cookbook is FABULOUS!!! I'm not following the exact BFL eating plan at the moment but I still use the cookbook occasionally. A great investment, in my opinion.

 

[ColleenM]

Technically you aren't really doing BFL if you change it up that much, that's not to say you won't get results. My advice to all newbies is to do the program for 12 weeks by the book. It's just 3 months. Then see if you want to make changes. I missed my videos so what I normally do (or did before my pup chewed my PUB/PLB) is 4 weeks by the book lifting, 4 weeks S&H and 4 weeks Pyramids and I got great results. For cardio I do 20MAS on the bike or Taebo (doing my own pace) or I do HIIT (IMAXs, Intense Moves or stairmaster). IF you are doing BFL type cardio, you won't be able to go 60 minutes. You should push yourself the 20-30 minutes until you are ready to throw up

Colleen

 

[2121]

I agree with those who said to try the program the way it is written for at least 8 weeks.
The reason I got the book was to get my eating under control. After working out 5-6 days a week with Cathe (approx. 6 months)I was stuck. I knew my eating was a big problem (ie: half a box of teddy grahams for lunch and eating non stop at night).
Then I read the cardio and weight program. I couldn't believe it would do anything in such little time. This cardio is killer if you push yourself for the 20 minutes. Also, I liked the weights because it helped me to set up a routine without being afraid to workout watching a Cathe video.
After 8 weeks, I started to plateau and was tired of clean eating 6 days a week, so I incorporated some of my own foods. I am more disciplined now with 6 small meals. Also, I still do 3 days of the HIIT, I love it because you can go faster the better you get.
Sorry this was long and with more info than you asked for, but don't be afraid to try it, it works! Melissa