Thanks Amy - i will definitely check that book out it sounds wonderful. And yes, I agree with you on the weight-lifting - it's a whole different ball game than cardio and I will really keep it at a bare minimum. I've decided to up the maple syrup to 3 per drink and continue with my 4 drinks per day. Does that sound okay? It gives me the 12 tablespoons total that I need and I will drink plenty of water in between also.