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Carboys Desire wrote:

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I think what he meant was that being on the ranch is too hard to duplcate in the real world. Many people just do not have the will power or keep the desire to change after they leave.

I just went through some weight loss on my own over the last year. I lost 50 pounds in 6 months. I have been able to pretty much maintain for the last 6 months and will be getting back into the more hardcore workouts next week to try and lose about 20-30 more. So I know what you mean and agree with you 100%.

The BL Ranch gives a unique opportunity to speed up the process under safe conditions. There is no way I would suggest anybody try to lose as much as the contestants do in that short amount of time. But, I think their method is dead on right. Healthy food choices, proper portion control and exercise. This is the ticket to long term success if you want it. That motivation thing is the big kicker.

For me, I knew that I had been in the obese category for a very long time. I wanted to lose the weight, but I did not have the motivation. Even with encouragement from friends and family, I could (would) never even start making changes. Until I wanted to attend a Boy Scout summer camp with my son. I was over the weight limit for my height, and would not be allowed to go. That was my motivation, and it worked. The challenge now is that I don't have an overwhelming motivation like I had before. It is also very hard when you try to reincorporate into regular life and find the balance.

My biggest challenge is that I don't like many of the healthier foods. I am a meat and potatoes (and pasta and candy and deserts..) kind of guy. I don't like any cooked vegetables, and I knew I was not going to change that. So, I needed to find a way to make it work in a way that would allow me to continue eating the foods I liked. During my hardcore loss portion, I ate a LOT of salads. If I did eat a cheeseburger and fries, I just reduced my portion size. I eliminated much of my snacking and tried to choose healthier snacks when I had to snack. If I just had to have potato chips, I just made sure to stick to the suggest serving size and nothing more. I also gave up all fast food for about 3-4 months. I was working out 4-5 days per week for an hour each, almost all cardio. Now, on the maintenance side, I eat fewer salads and more of the food I love. I have been working out much less, but still try to get in something physical at least 1 or 2 times per week.

It isn't the program (BL or not) that fails, it is the individual. The American lifestyle leads to obesity. Lots of prepared foods and little physical activity. Unless you make a permanent change, fat will find you.