Ok I have a question. I am going on a cruise September 22 for my anniversary. I currently wear a size 26/28. I have a bunch of jeans that are a size 24. If I excercise and really watch what I eat everyday is it possible that I can get back into my jeans before we go? And what is the best excercise to lose fat in your legs? I know this is a dumb question but I really don't want to buy new clothes.

Hi Ambie,

Well, you have about 6 weeks. In the upper sizes, I found it took 20 lbs to drop from 26/28 to a 24/26. If you lose consistently, 2 lbs a week, that's still only 12 lbs. I think it's cutting it close and setting yourself up for disappointment (especially if TOM arrives and blows a week out of the water). It would be too much pressure for me, personally.

Can you get yourself new jeans and still work on getting into the older ones at the same time? If you are like me, you put off buying clothes when actively dieting.

BTW, fat comes off where it pleases. You can tone muscles in specific areas, but there is no exercise that will decrease fat in a specific area. There is a great discussion on the 3FC general exercise thread about that topic.

I wish you all the best!! Keep getting healthy for you!!

Luv,
Ratkitten

Ratkitten, great answer!

Ambie, the tough part is not letting this weight loss journey derail you! I think it might be tough for you to lose a specific amount in a short time. Sometimes, even when we do things right the scale doesn't cooperate!!

Don't think short term about a cruise. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Get started, see what you can do in 6 weeks and then enjoy the cruise! But try also to keep some good habits in place. You can still exercise and make good food choices there!

Even if you don't lose XX pounds by the start of the cruise, you will feel so much better starting to get control of your life!

Then, come back and go right back to a new lifestyle and a new you!

I am doing this for the long term I just really hate to buy new clothes when I am trying to lose. I guess I will see how it goes for the next couple of weeks and then if I need to I will get some new/used jeans. I will just try my best and see how it goes. Thanks for all of your support. There is nothing like knowing there are people that have been there or are there supporting you.

When I started, my 26/28 clothes were getting a lil too snug on me. I've lost more than 20 lbs. and am still not near a size 24. Most of my weight came off my legs, and my tummy is still too big. There is no way to know what will happen in 6 weeks, but if your legs are your problem area, chances are they will shrink less. That is a lot of pressure to put on yourself. A better idea is to start eating healthy and go to Goodwill or a clearance sale to buy a few things to wear in your current size. You dont want unrealistic expectations to derail your long term goals

Keep up the good work Ambie!!

Perhaps there's a thrift shop you can scour for some temporary clothes in your size? I happen to live in an area that has lots of thrift stores that also have lots of the larger sizes. It's made my multiple size changes less painful in the pocketbook.

Luv,
Rat

edit: Battleax and I were channeling!! hehe. AND, we posted at the same time. Scarrrwy.

AmbieP -

Hi! I am addicted to TLC's What Not to Wear. I've learned that it is important to dress for who you are now; not what you think you used to be or want to be. Having said that, work your butt off in this six weeks BUT at the end, only take clothes with you that make you feel great. If that means you have to buy some new clothes, then do it - look for clearance items. And when you lose out of them, pass them on to Goodwill (or Ebay) to someone else who might be in a similar situation and in need of good clothes.

But the key is to really assess how you feel in the clothes and invest, if necessary, a small amount in what you need to feel great on your trip. The money will be well worth it.

Work hard and do it for yourself not the clothes!

Oooohh . . . a cruise. I have always wanted to go on one. Where are you going?

I agree with the others that you may or may not make it, but you should make sure to be comfortable when you are there. The last thing you want to do is squeeze yourself into too tight jeans and be miserable the whole time you are on the cruise. Also, from what I have heard about cruise food you might need a little room in those jeans once you're there!

We are going to Alaska. We are very excited. I am going to do my best. My waist is a 24 but they are the bootcut jeans and my thighs are to big. I usually lose weight in my thighs first so I am going to try. If I don't make my goal I will just re set it and see what I can find that is gently used.

I need some new clothes really badly, but also have been postponing it for the same reason. Finally, I had to just do it anyway, so I've been buying styles that will carry me through several sizes, like drawstring waistbands on skirts and pants. I have two jumper dresses and a couple of knit dresses that are a lot more flattering than I thought they would be, and they're made of a drapey fabric, so there's a little more weight leeway. I even made a couple of cute denim skirts (my sewing skills are less than stellar, so I avoid a lot of button holes and zippers and such. But I can put in eyelets and a drawstring waist, and sew a couple seams).

Hi Ambie - have a wonderful time on yr cruise!! If you are cruising to Alaska, you will want the jeans. If you are going to the Caribbean, you will want a light pair of capris or shorts. It is blazing hot to walk around there!!!
I have been on 4 or 5 cruises. I too, didn't want to make a major investment in clothes. Even if I spent a lot of money - I still wouldn't like these clothes. (I'm now a tight size 20 but I was a 24/26 last cruise.) I was lucky to catch a couple of things at Marden's (kinda like Filene's Basement). I also bought a long black skirt on sale at Dress Barn Woman w/ stretchy waist that always fits & I take on every cruise for dress up.
I did bring a cuppla pair capris that were tight. I never wore them. They made me hot & sweaty. (They fit now )
Some cruise ships have coin laundramats on board, which is good for me, since I don't have a lot of clothes. I have used their laundry service too, and find the price to be about the same as land based dry cleaners.
I normally don't get much exercise but on the cruise ship, I go the gym every day for 20 or 30 minutes because it's right there. It helps since I do eat more but I give myself permission!
I'm gonna chime in w/ everyone that it sounds a bit much to lose that in that period of time. And do bring comfortable clothes for all you shore excursions.
Happy Anniversary & make sure you tell us all about the cruise!!!

I started my journey about 7 weeks before we went on a cruise. I set my goals to lose 2 pounds per week. I did lose 2 pounds per week (actually more since the initial weeks were very good to me).

However, I have found that it takes a lot longer to lose pant sizes. At my highest, I was in a loose 26 or a very tight 24. When we went on our cruise, I had lost 35 pounds, yet I was still in a loose 24.

The best part wasn't the clothes, but how I felt. I could walk quicker, without getting out of breath. We went with a very large group and I was one of the quickest of the bunch.

Like the others said it might not happen so plan for buying some new ones just incase. Please please don't wear them if they are too snug. Everytime I wear something "anyway" because "hey I fit!" I end up being miserable and uncomfortable. You don't want that on vacation.

I'm just fitting into my 24s in the waist after losing 33-35lbs (looser in the legs though) but I suppose it can't hurt to try. I know when I'm doing a lot of squats/lunges my legs are the first to tighten up even though technically your not supposed to be able to spot tone. You might try that if you're able to do them at all, but be very careful not to extend down too far the last thing you want to do is anger your knees.