Do any of you take measurements, like of your waist and hips, etc? I had an incredible experience last night. Yes, I intellectually knew that my chest had gone down 10cm, my waist 13cm, and my hips 10cm. BUT, that's just a few inches, which mentally (like on a ruler) really wasn't that much.

Last night I held the measuring tape around my waist and loosened it to see what my waist used to be -- wow. Same for my chest and hips. Those measurements aren't linear, like on the ruler or tape measure, but represent a 3-dimensional area. I can't believe now how big I used to be. HUGELY bigger in those 3 areas. BIGGER than I ever mentally knew.

And where does the fat go? How does it just disappear? (not physiologically, but more mystically).

If you do keep measurements, I recommend you do what I did -- it was truly mind blowing!

I did measure when I (re)started a couple of weeks ago. It's sooo important to have some term of reference even when the pounds don't seem to be moving.

Oh, the fat? It's burned off as fuel (to put it simply, because I am simple). Almost like the fuel in your car.

I like to measure myself when the scale doesn't appear to be moving. I'm usually rewarded with a loss in inches! Sadly, I did not take my beginning measurements. I only started about 3 months in. I also don't think I have many photos from the beginning either. And DH lost our camera this summer in DC 2 days before we left for home, so I don't have any current photos either. It's almost like our trip to DC never happened because there is no documentation--poof!

Agreed - it IS amazing. I measure at the beginning of the month - I have a first record from 1/5/09. It sure does feel great to see those numbers coming down, and like you - looking back at where I came from just motivates me all over again.

I've done that too - easier than digging out old pants and trying them on . But yeah, it really is a nice visual.

I haven't measured yet but plan to have my daughter assist me with that this weekend. I'm prepping myself by trying to remember this is just the beginning. It gets better from here.

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Definitely take measurements (and photos!) at the outset. It is hugely motivating to see the inches come off.

I'm going to find my measuring tape today! What a good idea!