The LBD Project was transformational for me. I had slowly developed poor eating habits and had gained a lot of weight without even realizing it. By the time I did realize it, I started to feel like there was no way back to a healthier me. The LBD Project gave me the tools I needed to change my eating habits and restructure my exercise regimen to be effective. I lost a considerable amount of weight (about 25 lbs.) and gained an equal amount of self-esteem and confidence. Even if I gain a few pounds back, now I know what to do to battle back. I could not have it done it myself without the structure and support of LBD. It was awesome to have every meal spelled out. The community feeling was amazing as the group members commiserated and celebrated with each other. I would highly recommend the LBD Project.
~ JD
LBD was just the kick in the pants that I needed! I live an active lifestyle, running most days, and also like to cook (mostly) healthy meals. So I thought I was doing a pretty good job when it comes to whole living. In 2015, I noticed that instead of maintaining my usual weight, I started gaining weight. Initially, I chalked it up to mid-age metabolism and even grew complacent with my growing waist and bust line and started to embrace my curves. I joined LBD with a neighbor mostly hoping to stave off further weight gain in anticipation of the holidays. What I learned is that middle-aged bodies really need strength training in addition to cardio! I gained more energy, lost weight and created muscle during this fabulous six-week program. I look forward to maintaining the healthy habits I started – adding HIIT training to my cardio/running, reducing (but not eliminating!) simple carbs, dairy and alcohol in my diet. I also really enjoyed meeting the HB community and look forward to continuing with classes there in 2016.
~ Angie North
At first I was hesitant about LBD but I was so ready for a change so I thought it would be worth a try. I starting seeing results right away on LBD so right away it was a positive experience so it was very motivating. I lost weight weekly and felt more toned and clothes fit better and I had more energy and just felt healthier. I used to take a medicine for heartburn and was able to stop that. I feel like the best part of LBD was looking and feeling better so that I felt more confident. I have always had a “phobia” of wearing sleeveless dresses and tops and I was able to wear a sleeveless dress on our LBD celebration night and felt great!
LBD has been transformational for me as I used to crave sugar and carbohydrates and even when I started LBD I couldn’t wait for the “cheat” meals and now I find I just don’t feel good after eating this kind of food and I would rather eat clean and healty and feel good. I would strongly encourage anyone who wants to look better and feel better to do LBD.
~Beth Caffrey
What did you actually get out of LBD?
A great support group! I knew several women from being a HB regular over the years, but this program forged new friendships and provided real support. The facebook group was a great platform to share ideas, get to know the other LBD ladies, and celebrate success stories.
How did LBD change your lifestyle? your habits?
I drastically cut my added sugar and carbohydrate intake. Instead of cereal and/or toast for breakfast, I eat a green smoothie or greek yogurt with fruit. Instead of sandwiches at lunch, I eat (and enjoy!) salads. Instead of reaching for dessert every night after the kids go to bed, I allow myself to indulge a few times a week. Prior to LBD, I was happy if I got a work out in 3 times a week; now I shoot for 5. I’ve increased weight at the gym and miles on the treadmill/around the lakes.
What kind of results did you see from the program?
I lost 10 pounds in 6 weeks of the official program, and another 4 pounds in the 4 weeks after the end of LBD. I lost inches, went down a size or two, and fit into pants, button-up shirts, and bras I hadn’t worn since before my pregnancy with my 18 month old! I am stronger and can run almost twice as long as before starting the program.
What are you carrying forward from LBD?
Working out more, eating fewer sweets, starting my day with a green smoothie, eating only “clean” snacks, and making as many meals veggie based as possible.
What would you tell others about the program?
Make it work for you. It is intimidating to make a complete lifestyle overhaul, but this program can be modified to work for you. The class times are abundant–if you can’t make the LBD classes, make the morning classes your routine. The recipe book is large–if you can’t make salmon tonight, grab a turkey burger from the freezer from last week. If you are working out, add some LBD approved snacks throughout your days. I stuck to the meal plan almost exclusively, but had to add in healthy snacks to consume enough to get me through my workouts and runs. If you make the program work for you and stay committed, you will see results!
~Melissa Stull
My expectations for LBD were somewhat minimal, I was hesitant about the diet plan at first, and worried that I would not be able to really do it well. What actually happened was quite remarkable.
What amazed me the most is how good it feels to eat good food. No more heartburn, feeling too full and regretting it, no more fluid retention from eating too much salt.
I really love starting the day with a green smoothie, and both my husband and my kids are loving them too. I have continued to use many of the recipes from the LBD plan, and again my family loves it too.
I had my lab work drawn for an annual physical a couple of weeks after finishing the 6 weeks of LBD. My cholesterol was 25 points lower than last year, now well below 200, and the ratio of good/bad cholesterol is right where it should be. My Vitamin D is in the normal range without taking a supplement, thanks to the salmon and tuna which are now in my weekly regime.
I had been drinking diet coke daily since I was a teenager, and now I have not had a diet coke since October. I do not miss it or crave it.
I lost 18 pounds, 12 inches and 2.4% of body fat in the 6 weeks. I have continued to decrease in all 3 categories even through the Holidays.
I am so thankful for this jump start to so many positive changes, I have made lifestyle changes that I know I will continue, because it feels so good!!
~ Cathy Berigan
I loved the community support piece of LBD – getting to know the other women and working to encourage one another was (and continues to be) one of my favorite parts of the program and Hell Bent. I got so much stronger, too! I went from only being able to do a few knee push-ups at the beginning of the program (even though I’d already been working out quite a bit before the program started)…to doing more than 30 “regular” push-ups at the end of the six weeks! The extra workouts were great for me. I’m proud of my push-ups!
~ Erin Downing
I have tried several different diets and fitness programs so I didn’t have high expectations of the program. But I learned to eat smaller portions. If I really need to have a cheat meal; I don’t go overboard anymore. If I need a piece of chocolate cake, I make sure it’s a “good” piece of cake. I lost 14 lbs and 9 inches; and I have gone down two pant sizes.
The best part of LBD was the motivation. And I’ve discovered I love smoothies. I will carry that forward in my eating patterns. The combination of the meal plan and fitness program works and continues to work. Tara and Jason motivate and encourage you during the fitness sessions. I continue to use some of the recipes provided as part of the program. It works no matter what your age.
~ Susan Estes
I joined the LBD project in the 6 weeks before our wedding. I was hoping to lose a few pounds so I could feel comfortable in my wedding dress and maybe look a little more toned. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started. But I figured what the heck might as well give it a try.
I told everyone about the program so I wouldn’t get pressured to snack on junk or to drink a glass of wine. My friends and fiancé were all very supportive. Over the course of the program I ended up losing about 20 pounds. I felt better, my stomach felt great. I felt and looked better in my clothes. And I had way more energy.
The recipes in the LBD cookbook were very surprising. I am a picky eater and my husband is even worse. There are so many recipes in the cookbook that are in our regular rotation now. And there are a few new items that we have added to our favorite list. Our favorites were the turkey burgers and the pork with mango salsa. We have shared the recipes with our friends and they are hooked as well.
One of the things that I have retained from the program is the recipes and especially the substitutions page from the program. The program was very flexible and allowed me to make the substitutions according to what I like to eat.
The best part of the program was having the group of ladies to discuss the program with. We had conversations each time we were at class about how we were doing and what we were doing to avoid the no-nos. It’s nice to have someone else to ask you about your commitment every few days. It didn’t allow you to fall off the bandwagon. The group had a huge impact on my outcome.
The program was amazing. I am so glad that I was able to participate in the initial run. The trainers were excited about it and the group was fabulous. I will continue to use this program in my life moving forward.
~ Bridget Gormley