30 Day Shred with Jillian Michaels

[CohenInAZ]

I looked back over two months to see if there was a thread for this and didn't findone so I figured I would start a new one.

I've been living the "Dr. Cohen Lifestyle" or "1st Personal Diet" as we know it in the states and have lost over 50 lbs. I am nearing my "goal weight" so I am starting to workout more to tone up (we don't exercise on the plan for the most part)

Anyway, I'm in ok shape, I did a 1/2 Marathon while on the program so I am in ok shape, just flabby. Ha..

So.. I am here to see if:

A) Anyone else is doing this
B) Have you done it and your input

Thats is. I did Day 1 , Level 1 today.

 

[Steve]

Why don't you exercise on the Cohens plan? Sorry to hijack the thread... if you want me to shut up just say it.

 

[CohenInAZ]

It can interfer with your progress.

If you are already working out prior to starting (when you go for the 1st blood test) that is fine and you can stay at that level as long as it doesn't trigger hunger.

If not, they recommend only walking and waiting to begin an exercise program only when your personal Doctor recommends it.

All of us on this program are monitored by Dr. Cohen and our own Doctor.

I was already training for the 1/2 Marathon so I was fine, but do to a knee injury I was walking the 1/2.. quickly but still walking so my intensity wasn't there. But my knee did great in the 1/2 and when I reach goal my Doctor is ok with me going back to jogging/running... well slowly introducing it.

 

[Steve]

No offense intended, but that goes against every single thing I know about optimizing body composition. I mean if all we're interested in is weight loss... my special needs cousin could help people lose weight for a living. She can barely tie her own shoes, god bless her.

Last I checked though, people are interested in improving body composition (losing fat and maintaining muscle)... not simply what the scale tells them their bones, water, fat, muscle and poop weigh.

If you don't eat the right things and do the right exercise when losing lots of weight, you're going to be left standing there a smaller still soft version of your former self.

I know this has nothing to do with your original post but it chaps my ass when people are getting rich off plans that don't do what most people actually want. Con artists will forever get one over on the masses so I guess there's nothing I can do about it.

 

[CohenInAZ]

Yes.. I am still looking for input on 30 Day Shred.

However, to address your questions, the diet program I am on targets fat and typically you maintain a great portion of your Lean Muscle Mass. You take blood tests and have an individual program designed for you of exact portions (You eat Lean Proteins, Veggies and Fruits and Healthy Fats).

Not a scam, it works very well, and my personal Doctor recommended it, after 6 months of testing to determine why I was not losing any weight (As i was eating healthy and working out, strength training cardio the whole works). There were no thyroid, liver or other issues. I was a "fit" fat girl.

I too had my scepticism about the program, how would any semi educated person not question the lose weight no exercise? However, if you follow it, and it is strict, it works. As I already outlined if you were already working out, you can maintain that level, however, they don't recommend it if you are not already.

I started Cohen at 210lbs 42% Body Fat, so 121.8 of Lean Muscle. I am now 155 lbs (my goal is 145) and I have 25% Body Fat. This is 9 point test too, not a hand held thing or scale you stand on. I've lost over 56 total body inches, the last I measured 2 weeks ago.

I do agree a diet with out exercise is suspect, however, after having lived it since September of 2008 and still going, I can tell you it works and is the best thing I ever did for myself. I learned to eat according to what my personal needs are and I am just one of thousands. This is extremely established in Australia, South Africa and a growing online community in the US.

The program does exactly what it says as long as you follow it, and the majority of the people, when they reach goal weight will have a body fat percentage in the range of 24-21%.

Yes, we're still "soft" in that range, hence why the majority of us start working out in the last few weeks. Some wait until they are completely down and on 'maintenance' guidelines.

This is the reason that I am doing the Shred DVD and starting to work a few sessions with my trainer. Due to the economy, I will not be able to afford the trainer, past this month, but we're going to focus our sessions on maintaining this loss.

I also know that I now have the "keys" to my specific weight loss and what I need to maintain and if things get out of control, how to get back to goal weight.

You might have other expectations of body composition, however, I believe this will be ideal for me.

 

[Steve]

Yes.. I am still looking for input on 30 Day Shred.

However, to address your questions, the diet program I am on targets fat and typically you maintain a great portion of your Lean Muscle Mass. You take blood tests and have an individual program designed for you of exact portions (You eat Lean Proteins, Veggies and Fruits and Healthy Fats).

How much protein?

And why would lifting weights not be part of the plan given what we know about it preserving muscle mass while dieting?

Not a scam, it works very well,

If it worked very well, you wouldn't be coming here asking for help b/c you're too flabby after following the program. Again, not attacking you. Simply stating the fact that I've worked with a good number of people dieting them down from overly fat states and generally being too flabby is not a major concern at the end of the day.

You need to be careful with how you're defining "works."

Sure, it works in the sense that you lose weight. Any "diet" works in that sense though.

But does it work in the sense that you're happy with the end product?

That's my point.

and my personal Doctor recommended it,

Doctors recommend a lot of things. That means very little to me.

after 6 months of testing to determine why I was not losing any weight (As i was eating healthy and working out, strength training cardio the whole works). There were no thyroid, liver or other issues. I was a "fit" fat girl.

You mentioned nothing about calories here. Eating healthy does not mean you will lose weight.

I too had my scepticism about the program, how would any semi educated person not question the lose weight no exercise? However, if you follow it, and it is strict, it works. As I already outlined if you were already working out, you can maintain that level, however, they don't recommend it if you are not already.

In my opinion, make someone pay a lot of money for a 'plan' that rigidly limits food intake and guess what.... you're going to have a program that leads to weight loss. There's no magic in that whatsoever.

I started Cohen at 210lbs 42% Body Fat, so 121.8 of Lean Muscle. I am now 155 lbs (my goal is 145) and I have 25% Body Fat. This is 9 point test too, not a hand held thing or scale you stand on. I've lost over 56 total body inches, the last I measured 2 weeks ago.

How many lbs of lbm do you currently have?

I do agree a diet with out exercise is suspect, however, after having lived it since September of 2008 and still going, I can tell you it works and is the best thing I ever did for myself. I learned to eat according to what my personal needs are and I am just one of thousands. This is extremely established in Australia, South Africa and a growing online community in the US.

Atkins is extremely established too. And I'm not a fan. The thing is, the masses latch onto anything that has the right marketing. And like I said, anything that gets someone to adhere to the basics with consistency works in the sense you're using the word.

I'm happy it "worked" for you and I'm happy you're happy although you're not happy about how flabby you are.

Seriously, I hope you don't view this as a personal attack. I'm speaking my opinion of the plan in general.

Yes, we're still "soft" in that range, hence why the majority of us start working out in the last few weeks. Some wait until they are completely down and on 'maintenance' guidelines.

My question is why are you not aloud to exercise?

And would results in terms of body composition be *better* had a properly designed training program been instituted?

My experience says yes.

But what do I know?

 

[Jugs]

I'm really lost here, as to why you can't exercise on this plan?

 

[CohenInAZ]

If it worked very well, you wouldn't be coming here asking for help b/c you're too flabby after following the program.

PS.. I am not TOO flabby. I could go on just as I am and be just fine. I don't have a 'ton' of lose skin, however, I am not as tone as I like. I was simply seeking to find out others experience on this DVD.

I do have a trainer and continue to train in the manner that we have. I've done this DVD now as I decided to purchase it and I really like it however, I think just continuing to do what I do at the gym after I stop with my trainer will be just fine.

In my opinion, make someone pay a lot of money for a 'plan' that rigidly limits food intake and guess what.... you're going to have a program that leads to weight loss. There's no magic in that whatsoever.

Well as a person that has done MANY different eating plans even those that came from my personal trainer and didn't pay for AND the one I paid for and DIDN'T lose weight... this one worked for me. For some, even restricting calories does not mean weight loss. Yes, I know it goes again the calories in calories out theory, but its true.

How many lbs of lbm do you currently have?

116.25 LMB My goal LBM is 115-112 as set by my trainer

I'm happy it "worked" for you and I'm happy you're happy although you're not happy about how flabby you are.

Once again.. not THAT flabby perhaps I should have said "I'd like to tone up now". Most people on this diet lose 100-170lbs, so yes, they are flabby when they get done. But if you're a guy that went from 370 to 200 in 7 1/2 months, that is to be expected. Not my situation.

Seriously, I hope you don't view this as a personal attack. I'm speaking my opinion of the plan in general.

You can speak however you want but I think you've taken some things out of context.

My question is why are you not aloud to exercise?

As I said before, you ARE ALLOWED to exercise, HOWEVER, it can disrupt your progress. It is not recommended. Also, as I stated, I have always been working out and did a 1/2 Marathon while on this plan. Yes, it was walking, but even if not on plan, I still would have only been able to walk due to a knee condition. My working out has been mostly just walking by my choice. Others continue to weight train, I chose not to.

Ok.. so anyone doing the 30 Day Shred or have feed back on it?

I am on day 3 on Level 1. I know we are suppose to do this for 10 days, but I am already following the non-modified gal, and it isn't too much of a challenge. I think I will go 7 days on this Level and then Move up to Level 2. Or maybe I will move sooner, and just follow the 'modified' girl if it is too hard.

 

[CohenInAZ]

I'm really lost here, as to why you can't exercise on this plan?

You can exercise on it.

If you are already working out prior to starting (when you go for the 1st blood test) that is fine and you can stay at that level as long as it doesn't trigger hunger.

If not, they recommend only walking (which is still good cardio) and waiting to begin an exercise program only when your personal Doctor recommends it. (which is what EVERY Diet plan says anyway!)

 

[Steve]

By exercise I mean weight train.

Can you show me actual evidence of a caloric deficit not leading to weight loss?

That's a trick question b/c you can't... I know. My point is, a deficit will ALWAYS lead to weight loss. Period.

Sure, sometimes what should be a deficit isn't due to metabolic issues, but that doesn't mean a deficit doesn't work. It simply means what should be a deficit for these people isn't and they're deficit actually requires a lower intake or medical intervention.

 

[CohenInAZ]

By exercise I mean weight train.

Can you show me actual evidence of a caloric deficit not leading to weight loss?

Yes -

For two months I was on a strict, delivery food plan consisting of between 1200-1500 calories (I forget the mix of proteins/carbs/fats however, it was the right 'profile' for me.) 6 Small meals a day, each meal between 200-300 calories. I had body bugg, (that my docotor provided to me) to help document the whole history and I was doing both cardio and resistance/weight training with a trained certified professional.

I, on average had a 500 to 1000 calorie deficit daily. So, I should have lost, on average, 1-2 lbs a week. I GAINED 10 LBS a month. This continued with varing degrees of intake and output, I obviously went off that food to different menus and cooking options. Until 6 months later I had gained 60lbs. There were no thyroid, liver or other issues that were detected.

That's a trick question b/c you can't... I know. My point is, a deficit will ALWAYS lead to weight loss. Period.

Always isn't always and I am not a 1 in a million case many people suffer from this and why they get frustrated, calories in and calories out is not always the case.

Sure, sometimes what should be a deficit isn't due to metabolic issues, but that doesn't mean a deficit doesn't work. It simply means what should be a deficit for these people isn't and they're deficit actually requires a lower intake or medical intervention.

I agree, this is where this diet came into play and designed a program for me based on my needs (my blood), which did not fit into any of the other issues.

Yes this is a deficit diet and it IS working. I was concerned when I started it may not because of my history, however, as my Docotor had tired everything else this is what he suggested. Luckily this was the right mix for me and I've lost the 60lbs in 5 months, with even a few vacation (off plan weks) mixed in.

Back to the 30 Day Shred

Now speaking of deficits, I've been wearing my body bugg while doing the 30 day shred and it looks like its only 5.5 cal/min where as when I am walking i'm a 7.1-8cal/min and I walk for a much longer time than 20 min. I had anticiapted the DVD having higher burn. On flip side, the 5lbs weights are much easier to manage now, so that is still progress.

 

[Steve]

Yes -

For two months I was on a strict, delivery food plan consisting of between 1200-1500 calories

What were your stats and how were you tracking progress?

(I forget the mix of proteins/carbs/fats however, it was the right 'profile' for me.)

I don't get this. What do you mean, "right profile for me."

I wasn't aware of there being a macronutrient profile for individuals. Can you please elaborate?

6 Small meals a day,

Meal frequency matters little if at all in terms of weight loss.

I, on average had a 500 to 1000 calorie deficit daily.

You never, not once, ate outside the realm of the food provided to you?

So, I should have lost, on average, 1-2 lbs a week. I GAINED 10 LBS a month.

I'm being dead serious when I say this:

Researchers would absolutely love to get their hands on you. Not once ever did this happen under calorically controlled settings.

Either the nutritional content of the food you were given was wrong... you ate outside of the plan, or your body is honest to goodness magic. If it's the latter, you would do a great service to the scientific community by letting them study your body.

This continued with varing degrees of intake and output, I obviously went off that food to different menus and cooking options. Until 6 months later I had gained 60lbs. There were no thyroid, liver or other issues that were detected.

How do you propose this happened b/c I'm sure you disagree with all of my possibilities above?

Always isn't always and I am not a 1 in a million case many people suffer from this and why they get frustrated, calories in and calories out is not always the case.

Oh don't get me wrong. I've been doing this a long time and I've done a ton of research. I have good friends who research this for a living... it's what feeds their families.

We've all heard many many cases of people 'suffering' from this. The problem is, it can't be replicated in controlled research settings once you stick these people in them.

I've had many clients come to me saying, "I eat 1000 calories below maintenance yet I gained 50 lbs."

Invariably it's not the case once we dig and really zero in on their nutrition.

I'm sorry but I just don't believe it. I believe in metabolic issues. I've seen them with my own two eyes.

Anecdote and science, however, doesn't show what you're suggesting here. I'll believe it when I see it.

I agree, this is where this diet came into play and designed a program for me based on my needs (my blood), which did not fit into any of the other issues.

What specific about your blood was hindering your weight loss prior to this?

 

[CohenInAZ]

Steve

I am interested in people talking about the 30 day shred and I am sure people are tired of this back and forth. You said this wasn't personal however, every time I answer you, you just become more personal.

You can choose to go by your "years of study" not everyone fits the cookie cutter of the establishment. If EVERYONE lost with pure calories in and calories out, you'd just be stupid to be fat. Yes calories in and calories out is a huge factor but not the end all be all and there are plenty of studies to support that.

I can choose to go by my personal experience that is documented and no, I
didn't go off plan.

I'm happy I've found my personal solution and now looking to take the next step towards overall fitness, which is why I posted to begin with.

I am amazed that a health professional as yourself, would not be more encouraging about taking that step, rather than ridiculing a person who found a solution that worked for them.

 

[anewaj]

I too would like to know something about the 30 day shred. I'm thinking about trying it out. Maybe we should both just go for it and then write a like... review on it?

 

[Steve]

You can choose to go by your "years of study" not everyone fits the cookie cutter of the establishment. If EVERYONE lost with pure calories in and calories out, you'd just be stupid to be fat. Yes calories in and calories out is a huge factor but not the end all be all and there are plenty of studies to support that.

Which I asked for you to provide.

And I didn't say years of study alone. I mentioned anecdote too. The real world and what's happening in front of my eyes tends to dictate my opinions and beliefs more than was some abstract or scientific journal says.

It just helps when said science supports what I'm seeing in the real world, is all.

I am amazed that a health professional as yourself, would not be more encouraging about taking that step, rather than ridiculing a person who found a solution that worked for them.

I'll exit this conversation now. You are simply painting pictures and appealing to emotion and that's pointless and regressive to the conversation.

Good luck to you.

 

[txsqlchick]

I use the 30 Day Shred DVD from time to time. At first I found it EXTREMELY difficult, but now that I am a lot more fit I find most of it to be too easy. The first time I did level 1 I was sore for days. Now I rarely do the video and do a lift class on Thursdays instead, using the moves I've learned from that class in the gym and at home. I still get my cardio in too, 5-6 days a week.

 

[Courtneycms88]

I have been doing the 30 day shred for about 4 days now but due to being so heavy doing all the jumping jacks and that have taken a toll on my knees. I woke up yesterday and they were so sore and swollen. they have even bruised a little bit. So just be careful if you are significantly overweight.

 

[txsqlchick]

I have been doing the 30 day shred for about 4 days now but due to being so heavy doing all the jumping jacks and that have taken a toll on my knees. I woke up yesterday and they were so sore and swollen. they have even bruised a little bit. So just be careful if you are significantly overweight.

How significantly overweight? I started it when I was around 240, I think.

 

[Courtneycms88]

Im about 6' and 290lbs.

 

[MindiK]

I haven't started 30DS yet...but I ordered it yesterday. It'll be here tomorrow. I'm in the maintenance area now, so I am really hoping it's as good a workout as reviews I found online have suggested....