Body For Life

[SofiEmiMom]

I am Gluten-free Casein-free and was wondering if anyone has tried the Body For Life program? The majority of the food suggestions are gluten-free, but not cf and I wasn't sure if substitutions would be adequate.

[Heather22]

Hi there,

The Body for Life program is very adaptable, so I would give it a go. The program is not scientific, so it shouldn't matter if you make substitutions for your dietary needs. I think the only complication would be with the supplements, which by the way, are not needed to succeed at the program. Most of the supplements are for people who are too busy/lazy to cook or prepare meals. I would follow the basic recommendations for meal planning, and of couse do the workouts (which are great). The whole success of this program is based on consistancy and changing bad habits.

You can do it!! Hope to see you pic posted on the website one day : )

Good luck!

Heather : )

[Vladimir Gluten]

I am Gluten-free Casein-free and was wondering if anyone has tried the Body For Life program? The majority of the food suggestions are gluten-free, but not cf and I wasn't sure if substitutions would be adequate.

I tried it before I went gluten-free (4 weeks gluten-free). If you look at what exercise is recommended it is very high intensity. If you have not been gluten-free for long enough, you may not recover quickly enough. I know that when I did high intensity work outs, I would feel really bad 3-4 hours afterward (like I had zero energy, headaches, etc).

But I think BFL is a great program. From a training standpoint it makes sense for most people. For Celiacs, I think it can work too, I just don't know how much time on a gluten-free diet is needed first. Most posters here have said it can take six months to a year for your small intestines to heal. I imagine that will be about the time that I try it again.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[eKatherine]

I was on that program a long time ago, before I discovered my gluten intolerance. It worked for me for a while. First, you have to exercise intensely. But the real problem is that it is basically a fat-free diet. The fat content was so low that eventually I was unable to stay on it. Most people are unable to stay fat-free for extended lengths of time, as the body needs fat. You will get cravings until you satisfy your body's needs.

[VegasCeliacBuckeye]

I did it earlier this year.

I did it for 12 weeks and lost 10-15 pounds. Granted, I already have a quasi-athletic build, but I became much stronger and had more energy in a long time.

The diet can be adapted to gluten free easily.

I highly recommend it.

[glutenboy]

Definitely give it a go and make diet adjustments as needed. I did BFL for 9 months or so and got into fantastic shape despite my regular cheating on diet. I also did not take any supplements. I think the real key is the frequent smaller meals and the exercise program. I think the diet would not be sustainable over a long time (years), but I think stick close to it to start (with gluten-free/cf adjustments) and make changes for taste after you see some results.

Of course, when I weighed myself this morning I wistfully noted that I am currently 41 pounds heavier than my best weight on BFL. Job change (lost my gym), health issues, and just plain laziness got me to where I am today, but if you stick with it can be a lifelong plan. A coworker of mine has been doing it for 4+ years and is still in great shape.