:welcome2:

Hey feathers!

Back from vacation, and feeling like a bit of a beached whale. Coupled with the post- holiday depression, and I am just feeling like poo. Back to calorie counting, and focusing on 1/2 marathon preparations. Must... get... lean.

Off to work for the weekend... ick.

Looks like you're all doing well. Personals soon!

xoxo
FPSJ

You're a sweetie, thank you! I started trying to lose a little over a year ago, after I saw some photos of myself from a friend's wedding. I was always used to being tiny, and somehow time kind of caught up with me when I wasn't looking. *heh* Whipped myself into college-era shape from last summer to this summer with a LOT of hard work, if I do say so myself. :)

I've got photos somewhere at my very highest. I may have even been in the 150s then. It was not of the good. I'll see what I can dig up that doesn't mortify me. ;)

URGH scale's up about 2 lbs which is expected after the big eating, drinking, and not sleeping that happened last night. 100% worth it for a great night out with Japanese friends who I have very limited time with, but man I feel gross today. I came home at 2:30 am and had a PB&J sandwich and a few pretzels dunked in peanut butter - not my proudest moment.

But when they saw me, they commented that I had lost weight, which is always good to hear!

FPSJ Welcome back! You'll feel way better in a couple days. How was vacation?

philana Hoe gaat het? I'm glad you feel good about things, savor that "motivated" feeling! :D

ferretgirl HA, thank you, did you repost the photo on the car forum? I'd rather be submerged up to my head in a tub of chocolate pudding than on a car in a bikini if I may be honest... What kind of car(s) are you into?

claire Things you will not look like on the beach: beached whale. Pilates sounds like a good idea!

Dianne I 100% hear you on the thickness/small bones thing. At my lowest weight ever, 123.5, I still didn't have visible hipbones or ribs and had to lie on my back and suck in violently for them to be visible.

mortonpixie Hope you had a good yoga day!

Dorian5 WOW LOOK AT THAT BIKINI! Are you happy with your stomach these days? Who cares if your boobs fall out, people will be too busy drooling to tell you to put them back in...

Happy Friday!!

OK quick vent about dating and dieting lol Sorry I feel like I am always venting on here :dizzy:

Men just don't understand. They think, you eat healthy, you lose weight. They don't understand that not only for women, but people who are trying to lose the last 10ish pounds, you have to count calories. Like my bf this morning said, man with the way youve been eating youre going to be ripped in no time. Most people would like a comment like that. Instead, I feel more pressure because while yes Ive been eating healthy, Ive been eating a lot. So my calories still are not great. He doesnt understand that. So I feel like if I dont start losing fast, hes going to think somethings wrong with me or that I have a slow metabolism. I know thats pathetic and he doesn't care anyways, but its a personal annoyance. All men have to do is eat healthy and exercise. Women, if you are losing the last few, you really have no wiggle room. Its just annoying. Its also hard because he is like an alien. Will never gain weight, doesnt eat for pleasure, doesnt get anxiety, sleeps like a baby, nothing gets to him!!!!!! I dont wish anything bad on him but on the other end its hard for him to understand everything going on with me, because hes so even keeled. Argh! Ok im done. Thanks for listening lol

Claire Ive never done yoga but I am signing up for unlimited yoga classes for a month because of the hot yoga. I here it REALLY does burn 500-1200 calories a class! woooooo sign me up!!!!

Ferret Thanks for the hugs. I honestly have learned to not let comments like that get to me too much and use it for motivation. It used to eat at me but now I know I have great family, few close friends and God on my side. That's all that counts ;)

Katt Where did you keep your calories at when you were losing? DId you go "off" on the weekends? Drink? What about exercise?

Id love to see before and afters!!!!

Krampus The thing is, when I got just under 130, I felt good and wasnt disgusted with my body. I actually felt comfortable in most outfits. For now, I just want to get back to feeling that way instead of feeling disgusting in every outfit. Then once I reach there, my ultimate goal is to lose another 10 pds. Then maybe the thickness will go away. I actually do remember someone saying to me (when i was about 128-129), "You lose any more weight I may even have to call you as "skinny". wtf does that mean lol

Date night tonight! Dinner and movie. Outback. eeeeekkkkk Wish me luck on staying away from the bread :D

I always thought I was 5'5" too until I went to the doctor about 10 years ago and he measured me at 5'6". That's funny. Ditto on not feeling the need to completely coverup at the pool upon exiting the water. I've always been a shy person so walking even to enter the pool with my sons without feeling like everyone is staring at me was a big deal for me. I have a very boyish-shape - not much of a waist and small hips/bust so I'll never be what guys would consider a "bombshell" (like Kim Kardashian, lol) but I don't care now. I'm me and that's fine, y'know? Isn't it weird how the swimsuit is like the ultimate test for women? Crazy.

No, I wouldn't repost anyone's pics without their permission, so no worries. The guys are nice enough- but they are guys. We can probably do without their comments unless we really want their opinions, haha.... I have a '93 Mitsubishi 3000GT (mine's non-turbo, but a fun daily-driver) :)

Zumba class was good again yesterday. Its a little less fast-paced than I prefer, but its an older group of women and I can add-in some hops to work a little harder. Weighed-in at 114.5 this morning... My beach trip goal!! 2nd time I've hit it this month, so we'll see if it sticks.. I'll just watch portions this weekend and get back into Zumba class on Monday.

Hope everyone has a good weekend :D

I just LOVE the sauna at the end of every gym-visit. Might be the only reason I go to the gym. I don't know. My 'instructor' was a bit surprised to see me for a 3rd day in a row. When in passing by I told him about my loosing weight goal he was already trying to temper me saying I shouldn't overdo myself with the excercise. And I just don't know what to do with that. Sunday he'll set up a plan for me, so we'll see how that goes. But I know I need a bit of edge to really keep going, on the other hand I also don't need to get lots of muscle aches because then I chicken out.

So, how do you guys deal with instructors wanting to help but also kind of getting in the way of the pace you want to set for yourself?

claire1412 - Woah - that's a fast 5k goal, lady! :) I'm not fast, but very proud of my progress nonetheless. My goal for this Half Marathon is sub 2:30...that was my goal for the one in May...but I had the stomach flu the whole week prior and was happy with a 2:39 finish after all that!

ferretgirl - glad you found that you enjoy Zumba! That's the way to keep it up - Have FUN!

FPSJ - Welcome back!! How was your vacation?

Krampus - likely water from the sodium...daily weigh ins would make me crazy.

Diane042425 - Girlfriend...try not to over think things so much! You're head must feel like busting!

Philana - I've never had another person plan my training for me. A good basic rule to start is Cardio/30min/3x's a week with Strength Training/2x's week in between. Don't work the same body part two days in a row. IDK, I'm kinda independent that way...but sure could benefit from a pro to help me decrease my run times.
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Happy Friday, Feathers!!

I am just over the moon about my 6 mile run this morning. It took a little longer than I'd like, but I took regular walk breaks to give my ouchy hamstring a break. A little sore, now but I'm happy to have run that far...it's been nearly a month!

I am having a FaceBook problem with my older kids bio-dad...grr... He has been out of the picture (all but a yearly visit or so) for years. My husband and I got married in 2006 and he adopted L&A. Anywho - I took the high road and allowed my ex to FaceBook friend me - and now he goes and tags himself in my pix of the kids - then all his questionable friends and family have access to them!! I asked him not to - we'll see.

Well, got my run in - yay! Cleaned out the kiddie pool and refilled it, gotta make some lunch and then (Lord willing!) maybe I all the kids will nap and I can put my feet up. After nap, some fun in the pool, make supper, then take the big boy to Baseball Practice, lead the exercise class and church, pick up the boy, come home and collapse!

:lol:

Have a great day!!

haha thanks, I needed that. Its that time of the month so I think I am being overly sensitive right now !! eekk!:dizzy:

6 miles!??! That is awesome. Do you know how many calories that are burned?

Mortonpixie Ah you should be proud of your half marathon time, with stomach flu, impressive! My 5k time this year was 24:35 but I've already been warned once you get it under 25mins it is really hard to knock time off. I love the feeling you get of pushing yourself all out in a race though, I couldn't really stand walk straight after my 5k! Good luck for your half, that is a completely do-able (and impressive) goal! Ah i miss running!

Ferretgirl Ah Zumba, I so want to try that! I have to wait until my foot is better and able to bear the weight of jumping around (September?) and then i'll give it a go! I have literally no rhythm though... I do like Pilates, so I'll keep doing my favourite moves. I find a whole Pilates DVD a bit boring though, and I used to count the minutes when I went to pilates classes. I am so impatient!

Philana Welcome! I think you should listen to your trainer, don't go too hard at the beginning and burn out, ease yourself into it!

FPSJ Welcome back from holiday, glad you had a good time!

Krampus Ah peanut butter and jam, yum! Yay that they noticed you lost weight, I love it when that happens!

Dianne I completely understand, boys can mostly eat what they want and look fine. Damn them! I sometimes wonder if calorie counting and obsessing is worth it though. I think we put too much pressure on ourselves to be perfect and lose the last 10lbs and get the perfect body before we allow ourselves to be happy. I do it too, it is one thing to recognise the futility of it all, quite another to escape it.

On that note, I've jumped on the 'beach body' bandwagon and bought Tracy Anderson's 30 Day Solution with some gift vouchers I had. I'm not doing the cardio (for obvious reasons) or the diet (because it is ridiculously low calorie and strict) but the strength training is good! It just kicked my butt! You are meant to do it every day for 10 days and then move onto the next one. I'll try but I think I might be in agony tomorrow and I don't want to do it if my bf is home because he'll take the piss. All the moves are designed for women, so don't look that hard, but oww!

Have a good day :)

ps: still loving not counting calories and I found tuna steaks in the shops today, yippee! I'm going to make tuna steaks and roasted veggie (pepper and yellow zucchini) salad. Nom nom!

mortonpixie: great job on the run. Glad your hamstring seems to be healing. My first serious boyfriend years ago told me that the sexiest thing in the world was a woman's hamstring, down by her knee. I've never forgotten that. I can almost see mine, haha!

claire: tuna steaks sound great. I'm an aspiring vegan, but I've actually been eating salmon about once a month, because it's really good for you. I'm torn about it.

welcome philana. This is a great group. I don't think going to the gym every day is a problem, unless you're there for 5 hours or something. Maybe he just sees people who burn out and then stop going altogether. Do whatever works for you, I say.

I am still eating too much, although far less than I did a month ago, and I've probably doubled my fruits and veggies. I just don't have much willpower, and I need to stop bringing home brownie mixes!

I'm about 166 right now, and I lost those first 10 pounds really really easily. But 165-167 is what I consider my "set point," so I think it's going to get a lot harder from here on out. I've been getting in a ton of exercise this week off, though, with the painting and biking or running each day, too.

I think I'm going to have the back side of my house totally finished tonight! Yay! I'll try to post a photo. Still a lot to go, but the progress is noticeable, and I'm happy with the colors.

mortinpixie - 6 miles! dang, that's so great. How'd you get there? I'm so considering the c25k thing. But not till a month from now, easing into things and all. And i'm glad some one plans for me, because I have no restraint. LOL.

claire - you are absolutely right. I am just to thrilled to finally have decided to go for it. Whaha. And thanks for the tuna - recipe, I was just thinking what to do with the rest of the can of tuna I have left! It's gonna be dinner!

ann71 - thanks for the warm welcome! And great on the 10lbs, I can't wait to utter those words. How'd you discover what your "set point" weight is? Like the easiest to maintain without being overweight?

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I'm driving myself a lil bit bonkers. As some of you might have gathered from my previous post, I tend to want to go really fast and all at once. Having come to the decision to work on my health and weight has me all fired up to go. But today is a mandatory day off, after 3 days of gym and a strength-test tomorrow morning. I just really want to get out there and DO IT. lol. But - just like self discipline in the foods area, I have to show some restraint on the excersising area too. I've never been really fit or done any sports my whole life, and everytime I tried I ruined it by going too fast and ending up with lots of aches.

So, I'll just do some mental jumping around on the boards here :carrot: hihi

Clocked in at 126.2lbs yesterday, frustrating. I really didn't eat that much on July 4th. The scale makes me crazy. I think I need to weigh in daily so I can see the ups and downs, it calms me. :lol: I try to keep my sodium low and take a day off of running or weight training the night before I weigh in, but I still was up. I'm just going to pretend that 125lbs never happened and that it was some kind of weird fluke. I'll slide my ticker back up and take off a bat in my signature. :dizzy:

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ferretgirl - That made me laugh! Hopefully I can keep the spillage to a minimum if I attempt to traipse around in that vulgar little thing. That margarita recipe is awesome, I've made a few virgin ones just cause I like the mixer so much!

philana - Welcome! I love how stoked you are, your enthusiasm is contagious. :D I haven't been in a sauna in foreeeverrr I wanna find one now.

krampus - I am back and forth about how I feel towards my tummy. Last night I pranced around the boyfriend's house in my underwear cause I felt so attractive. Today I'm hiding in a hoodie because I feel fat. I have to wonder if I would even think my stomach was flat at 100lbs or if it's just perception. I can only hope that it's acceptable at goal weight, ya know? And I hope my boobs go down to a D cup or something! :lol:

Dianne042425 - Phew! Mortonpixie is right, your stress level must be exhausting! I hope you're feeling better about things, it sounds like you're still taking steps in the right direction with your healthy food!! What did you eat at Outback? I frickin' LOVE Outback. Next Saturday the boyfriend and I are going to Red Lobster after Harry Potter, there is no way I can look at those cheddar garlic biscuits without having 1 ...or 5. :T

mortonpixie - Good luck with your ex and that facebook drama -- I hate facebook drama, haha. WICKED run, that's awesome! You are so active, I feel lazy in comparison. :lol:

claire0412 - Yummmm tuna steaks! I think I know what I want for dinner now. You are spot on about our struggle to perfect our bodies. Even if I had the figure of a Brazilian swimsuit model I would pick myself apart about something else, SO hard to step back and calm down. :dizzy: I have a DVD set on Carmen Electra's cardio striptease that I have been picked on for QUITE A BIT. But it is fun! As far as exercise, it's really not much of a work out, but I use the stretches that it shows regularly. (and can now perform a chair dance if I ever pluck up the self confidence :lol: )

ann71 - I am a brownie fiend, and someone on this board (claire?) had mentioned black bean brownies that sounded amazing... Glad to hear that you've upped the good stuff you're eating, that's a good thing! I hate reaching that set point, I am pretty sure 125-127 is mine and I'm having a hard time wrestling with it. Would love to see progress photos of your house!

Have an awesome day everyone, good luck! :D

Also, I think I need to stop talking about weight/diet/anything with the boyfriend, I've been getting some hurtful quips lately (not intentional, I don't think) -- it's just hard, because it's something always at the front of my brain and I like to tell him absolutely everything. Plus, everyone else hates hearing about it, so I try to just tell him... but I think now even he's resenting me for it. I can see how it would get annoying

Still, it feels like it's some kind of secret that I have to swallow.

Definitely glad to have you guys to vent to. :halffull:

Dorian - I so get that feeling! I'm not in a relationship but I am already having such a hard time not talking about it to good friends. I don't want to put them off. And it's not like the first time they hear me talk about it. I think it's best to keep it as something to discuss with people working on their weight also or having done so in the past. While back I had a friend who started on her weight the same time, so we could talk about it. But decided only to talk to eachother about it and nobody else.

I'm glad for this forum also! I'm way better at communicating online anyhow, haha.

ann salmon is my favourite food! mmmm. I think my set point is around 67-69kg. I can never get past it and stay there! Here is the brownie recipe I use. Cut down on the sugar though, completely not needed, and put some real chocolate (and maybe cherries) in there too:

http://www.nomeatathlete.com/black-bean-brownies/

philana Good luck for your strength test!

Dorian Haha I wanted to try the Carmen Electra video but I cannot dance and have no rhythm, I think he'd just laugh at me if I offered him a dance!
I'm the same with the bf, I don't think he cares anymore about my diets and I'm making an effort not to go on about it too much. There is really nothing more attractive than a woman who is body confident, I wish I could be like that!

Here is the tuna recipe: http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/4...ager.offset=20

I love that website, definitely my favourite recipe website because everything is rated.

I'm too tired to cook, we went out in the sun drinking beer and now I'm going to fall asleep on the sofa watching Family Guy with some chocolate tea (so good! Yogi Chocolate Tea!) Tomorrow we are going to a christening so I'll have to go to church (first time since my own christening when I was 1, give or take a few weddings and funerals). I've got a nice dress to wear, and I'll get up early to do the Tracy Anderson dvd so I feel confident with the halterneck arms on exposure - ness of it!

:wave:

Took the kids swimming today, everyone is tired and very grumpy...it's only 6:30 - but I know 4 kids that NEED TO GO TO BED!

Hope you're all having a great day!!

well, it's not the greatest photo, and it's probably too big to boot, but here's the finished back of the house.

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s...fhousedone.jpg

ann - that looks neat! you painted that by yourself?

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Sunday morning here and I just got home from the gym! I did 'normal but could be better' on the strength test. Which is fine by me, given that I've NEVER done sports before and in my mind it was just one big pain in the b*** that I'd never get into. Well, it's been a jolly ride so far. I seem to do okay!

Was a little discouraged when I got up this morning because I've not lost an ounce after 2 days (LOL). But at the gym we upped my program. I'm going to be doing 3 days of cardio + strength and 2 days of cardio + core. And if in a week I've still not lost any weight nor inches I'll start my whining. Untill then I'm shutting myself up.

I have decided that after the first 15lbs I'm taking myself to the spa! Looking forward to that ofcourse.

Dianne042425 Id love to see befores/ lowest weight pics! Thanks for the compliment! Im pear shaped so I usually never have to worry about the upper body unless my weight gets reaaaaally up there ( like my starting weight). My current measurements are 34-24.5-37.5. I would be sooo happy with 35" hips! Id die lol.

ann71 Great job on the painting! Ive always wanted to take on a project like that. Go you!

philana Im BIG on non-food related, weight loss treats ( just look at my siggy). Totally go for it! 15lbs is a huge accomplishment!

Dorian5 You are going to be hot, hot, hot in that swimsuit. Make sure you post pics although I know we are still a few weeks away. Also I totally feel you on the discussing the diet with the boyfriend. Mine says he doesnt mind and tries to be a good listener but makes it known he preferred my shape the way it was when I was 15-20 lbs heavier. I dont understand how bc I feel theres been a DRASTIC change for the better but he loved all the soft curviness I guess... Im happy I have 3fc too.

Mortonpixie Great job on the run! Im an aspiring runner although I ve just been doing a whole lot of walking lately :). My bf just bought me some of the reebok toning shoes so Ill be doing a lot of walking/ running. I heard that walking is better for de-bulking ( i made up a term, lol) really bulky, muscular legs so that has been my cardio of choice lately. Sorry about the facebook drama hopefully you can work it out!

ferretgirl Zumba seems like a GOOD time. I always see the advertisement for the DVDs and want to order them. The ppl on the commercial look so fit and toned and like they are having a blast but.... I guess thats kind of the point lol. Hope you continue to enjoy it.


Ive been MIA for the past couple of days... Started a new voyage into a (potentially) 30 day raw fruit and vegetable detox. Since thursday Ive only consumed fruits and veggies, I did have nuts on the first day but Ive since cut them out. Today makes day 3 and Im actually feeling really good. I was having some serious issues with " going" but ever since I started my detox its been like clock work. And already pounds and inches have been literally disappearing... Its actually a little scary, ha!. Has anyone ever tried anything like this?

I must admit my attempt at this was two-fold. While I am genuinely interested in the detox component and giving my digestive tract a boost, I know this will also be a super fast, moderately healthy way to get to goal. Ive done a ton of research and watched some vlogs on youtube and it seems to be really effective and the weight loss is sustainable as long as you dont go stuffing yourself with all things fattening once you are finished. I have enough energy to get through workouts and the day in general, Im not hungry as long as I keep fruits or veggies around, and I can literally eat as much of them as I want so no calorie counting.

Not sure how long Ill stick with it but Im going to commit to 7 days at a time and evaluate whether I want to go for another 7 after each week, with the end goal being 30 days:). Luckily I truly love, love, love fruits and veggies and Im actually really enjoying indulging without thinking of calories, carbs, and sugars while watching the scale go down. Im even eating banana "ice cream" which just consists of blended bananas and whatever fruit, nut, or spice u want to add to it. Its just like soft serve, delicious, and dairy & sugar free! Im loving feeling full but light.

Sorry for the long post but just wanted to share!:)

Ugh. Lost the plot one day short of three weeks binge free. Feeling gross all weekend long + being constipated + rather sudden onset of moving-related stress = trying to solve a societal problem using long division aka food. I could sort of feel the binge coming on all weekend.

Weight is up, will go down, I just wish I didn't have this latent stupid habit lurking!

I just shouldn't weigh myself. I'm 3 days in with 1500/1200/1500 cals. Excersised 2 of those days. But I've seriously not lost an ounce. I don't understand it! Though the last time I was coming from a worse place, hadn't done sports in forever and had been eating a bag of chips a night. This time it's not that bad - maybe that's why I should be a bit more rigorous? 4 days. If I still haven't lost any by then I'm gonna flip. Though technically I'm already a bit spooked by this :P

Oh, I've drastically upped my protein intake (within those calories) because I'm going to be excersising more on weights and such. Could that cause the slow start?

Have to say though that I feel great - like I'm full of energy and such. So it's not all bad!

(sorry for the self centered whiny post here)

Krampus Its ok girlie! Back on the wagon you go!

Philana What type of exercise are you doing?What is your carb intake like?

philana-- stick with it! Spa sounds ahhhmazing :)

skinnyelle--I'm intrigued by the fruit/veggie idea! I just tend to get very low on energy without protein. I am known to go crazy around nuts, esp almonds, so I don't know how that would go... either way, keep up posted.

krampus-- Yep.. Me too. Different reasons, but emotional eating nonetheless.


Time to go find an umbrella.... raging thunderstorms shall not stop me from hoofing it to the gym. Gotta get 'er done.

skinnyelle - i'm trying to do 55% carbs, 30 % protein and 15% fat. Since I don't eat meat that's quite a challange. I'm going to the gym 4 to 5 days a week where I do 30 mins cardio (bike, elliptical and rowing) and 30 mins of strength/weights.

I don't know, it must be the increased proteine. Or just because I was already living healthier the last month so the change wasn't so big for my body? Either way - I better be loosing some soon or I'll get massively demotivated! haha

The raw food thing sounds nice, especially during summer time! Goodluck with it, and keep us posted. Curious as to how you'll maintain energy-wise.

Happy Monday feathers!

Claire I totally hear ya on the "putting too much pressure" on ourselves. I constantly find myself doing that. Ive even had strangers who have just met me for a few hours tell me I put too much pressure on myself. I have no idea why! Maybe its the society we've grown up in? I swear I belong in a small town. I just seem to be most comfortable in towns like that :)

I need to try those brownies of yours!!!

Ann The house looks great! Good joB!!

Dorian Yes, my stress level has been a bit high. I need to relax on it all. Oh gosh Outback. It is NEAR impossible for me to stay away from bread at any resteraunt. We actually didnt end up going. I was going to get the 6oz steak without butter, veggies and a side salad!

I too need to stop talking about dieting. It IS hard when its on your mind almost all the time. I am even thinking about telling everyone I am not dieting anymore. Im sick of the snide comments and just the comments in general. So I hear ya on that girl!

Skinnyelle Wow. Our measurements were almost the same! When I got down to about 128 I was 32-24-37. Thats too funny! We must have similar body shapes. I too gain last in my upper body, so when i start to gain there, I know theres trouble. lol

I am SO curious about this 30 day detox. I did a 24 hours fruits and veggies only detox. Those sorts of things are easy for me because I am a fruit queen!!!!! But I am a little curious. How are you maintaing muscle without protein. Also, how can you still lose weight if you are eating unlimited fruits. Fruit actually is pretty calorie dense. I can put down 500 calories worth of fruit in like 15 minutes. If I had the mindset of all the fruit I want, I woud easily be putting down 2500 calories worth..So how does that work for weight loss if your calories are like 2500-3000??

Krampus Me too girl! I think as we get older and our hormones/emotions start to level out, we wont binge or emotional eat as much.. well I am hoping anyways!

So I messed up pretty bad on Saturday. I know its just one day, but it was my first week and I had already messed up 2 days that week. So that made 3 days. I wanted to lose 1.5 pounds, but if my calculations are right with my calories it will be MAYBE a .8 pound loss. I havent weight yet. Weighing tomorrow. DO you think I could still have water weight from Saturday tomorrow morning? I hope not..

HOpe everyone else had a great weekend!

I slid my ticker back down, I weigh 124.6lbs this morning, so I'm happily going back to weighing most every day since the ups don't bother me as much as the fear of getting a high weight on the one day I weigh in a week. :lol:

I officially have less than 10lbs to lose, which blows my mind.

I'm feeling pretty good about how I'm looking, I don't know if maybe 115lbs might be unrealistic considering my chest size. Right now I'm at 37-26-34 (I have whittled my hip measurements down drastically) and I don't know where 10 more lbs is gonna come from? My arms need some fat gone and that little pocket below my belly button is still a little bit pooched. Guess I'll know when I'm done!

ETA: I totally forgot to tell you guys that I fit into the tiniest pair of jeans I own the other night, a very expensive pair of designer skinny jeans that are a size 26 (they have some give to them) -- I am wearing them to my boyfriend and I's date night on Saturday to see Harry Potter and go eat Red Lobster! I also ordered myself a new pair of platform heels to wear with them! I'll get a picture, totally excited!!!! :D

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philana - I would imagine that the reason you haven't lost is the amount of exercise you're doing. When I run or work out, I cannot weigh myself the next day because my muscles hold on to so much water I usually show a GAIN of a few lbs. I have to wait another day after resting to weigh in, and that's when I see a sudden drop. Wait until you weigh in a day or two after resting before getting discouraged. :) Nice work!

Dianne042425 - I'm sorry you're having a hard time. :hug: Take it easy today, drink lots of water/green tea/coffee (always works for me!) and you should be getting all that water weight gone! :)

claire0412 - We ended up making GIGANTIC salmon filets instead of tuna over the weekend, but that tuna steak recipe is making it into my tummy PRONTO, it sounds AMAZING! Yummm yum yum. I can't dance either, so I do it in the privacy of my living room with curtains drawn and all the lights off so no one sees me doing my Carmen Electra moves, haha!

krampus - You are doing a fantastic job tackling this binge demon that haunts you, 3 weeks is incredible and you've made such great progress! Shake off this slip and get back on it -- I've found that when I am stressed and feel like I have no control of my life, having control of what I am eating is a HUGE comfort to me. Hope things calm down for you soon! :hug:

skinnyelle39 - I dig the raw diet, and I especially dig that you are evaluating yourself every week to see if it's something you want to continue, that sounds so realistic and healthy. You're doing great and I'm glad that you're FEELING great too!

ann71 - Your house looks great, I bet you're glad to have it done!! :)

FatPantsSkinnyJeans - Love the commitment, you go get 'er done, indeed! :carrot:

Love you guys!

fatpantsskinnyjeans My energy level has been pretty good without the protein from meats. I would assume the carbs and sugars from the fruits Im eating are fueling me. Vegetables actually have more protein than you think. But when I do start feeling lethargic I either eat a huge salad or a few pieces of fruit and Im golden :)

philana Your diet and exercise looks great to me! Id agree with Dorian5 that it may just be your muscles retaining water. If you switch out one of your training days for a long walk or more cardio Id imagine you'd see a drop. I have a pretty good amount of muscle and I know that always works for me. Most of all... just be patient. As long as you are taking the right steps something has to give eventually.

Dianne042425 We are twins!!! Lol... Sounds like we have a lot in common and thats awesome. Im only on the 4th day and I already have a pretty muscular frame ( maybe too muscular IMO) so Im not worried about losing much if any. Looking at myself in the mirror I actually look more lean as opposed to skinny than I did prior to starting this. My muscles are more visible. But Ill be keeping a close watch on this and weight training to maintain as much as possible. Its all one big experiment honestly.

As far as fruit and weight loss... I thought the same thing too! Im not calorie counting at all and I am literally overdosing on fruit lol... Just this morning i have had a huge mixed fruit salad and two bananas already. But all of the info Ive read on the detox says that because of the digestibility of fruit and veggies you can eat them in abundance and still lose. Ive avoided fruit through my entire process bc I feared the sugar, carbs, and calories until now.

Dorian5 I dig that you dig it, lol! Congrats on 124 and being 10lbs from goal. I am as well and its so nice to finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. I remember 20lbs ago when it seemed like this day would NEVER come. But one foot in front of the other, one day at a time, here we are :hug:

sumire ( I happened to see your post before I finished this one) Im definitely taking a multivitamin Im trying to be very careful about avoiding deficiencies. But thank you for the concern! And Im using a really fresh, healthy guacamole I found as a dip for my vegetables. Its an amazing snack!

Happy Monday feathers! Another on-plan week ahead. My weight has been up about a pound for the last week, but I think I may be retaining water before my TOM? I'm not sure, as I quit the pill almost a month ago, but I do know that I have been ragingly angry since last Thursday, which is totally not like me. If I was still on the pill, I would expect my period tomorrow, so maybe my body is sticking with this cycle for now. (And holy crap, feathers, if this level of ill humor is what most women off the pill deal with once a month, I have a new-found respect for all my sisters out there...)

Anyway, just getting my girly talk out there. ;) Today I am excited: I've always harbored visions of my husband and me exercising together, but he hasn't done any actual exercise since childhood, lol. But I think I am starting to rub off on him, because he is now interested in starting an exercise program. I'm going to start him out today with some light strength training. We both lost weight together this year, but as a 6'4" male, all he did was drink less beer and, initially, cut down on refined carbs (though now he eats an enormous slice of pie every day)... and lost 30 pounds. :dizzy: (He was only 10 pounds overweight to start with.)

ann71: Your house looks really terrific! Great work!

philana: I agree that your weight probably isn't going down initially because of water weight from your workouts. I really, really suggest committing to one month on plan, no matter what--whether you're feeling motivated by scale progress or not. At the end of that month, if you have stuck to plan, I think you will be really pleased with your progress. (Even better than one month: two. :)) But weight loss and body change really does take time in the beginning. Good job on the protein--I'm vegetarian as well, and I keep my protein levels high to help prevent muscle loss while dieting. It's a challenge, but it has seemed to work brilliantly so far.

skinnyelle39: I do hope you're taking a multivitamin along with your fruit/veg diet! That kind of diet is definitely deficient in B12 (only found in animal products), and almost certainly deficient in iron, zinc, & other things (selenium, for example, if you're not eating Brazil nuts). Since you're not doing nuts, I hope you're having some avocado. The body does need some fat to be healthy.

krampus: :hug:

Dianne042425: Good luck with the weigh-in! I'm a total fruit queen, too. I was the pickiest kid in the universe when I was young, but I would always eat fruit.

Dorian5: You're doing so awesome! Rock on, gal!

skinnyelle The diet sounds interesting, but I think I'd be worried once I started eating normally again that all the weight would come back, and the muscle wouldn't. It is normally what happens to me anyway. Good for you to review it though!

ann The house looks great! Respect for having the patience and finishing it :)

Philana Three days is too soon to tell, give it a bit longer and then re-evaluate!

Krampus Don't fret, you've done so well so far. Moving is stressful, just put it down to experience and get back on the wagon :)

Sumire Haha i remember that phase after coming off the pill. Luckily my boyfriend was away in the US for a month and missed it. The rage / sadness / happy / rage cycle was interesting. It is better now though!

Dorian Yay go you! I think you'll know when you\re finished. Sometimes we pick goals that are unrealistic for us, sometimes ones that are too easy. You'll know when you are happy!

I am fighting the urge to go on a quick fix diet to drop a few pounds quickly. I really jut want to stay eating the way I am now, mainly healthy but indulge in a few little treats when the occasion offers them (cake at the baptism yesterday for example). It is hard to shake the diet / no diet / diet / no diet cycle but it is really getting on my nerves so I am going to man up and stay with this for the meantime. I am also starting to wonder how important it is to me that I lose the last 2kgs. I have noticed since I haven't been counting calories, I have been happier, nicer to be around and generally happier with my body. I'm still not completely happy with it though, what a dilemma!

Have a nice day :)

Dianne042425 Id love to see befores/ lowest weight pics! Thanks for the compliment! Im pear shaped so I usually never have to worry about the upper body unless my weight gets reaaaaally up there ( like my starting weight). My current measurements are 34-24.5-37.5. I would be sooo happy with 35" hips! Id die lol.

Can we trade some measurements? LOL. I will gladly give you my 33" hips for your 24.5" waist (so tiny!). That way I'd have some curves. My measurements are: 33-26-33. But I guess we always want what we don't have. Oh well. :)

fitmom I think that was my post originally! lol! Id gladly take your weight in exchange for 3 more inches on the waist!

claire0412 You are very right and it is a concern of mine. Ive done a lot of reading and plan to weight train as well as ease off of the detox once Im done to not experience rapid weight gain. Ill figure it out. Ive never done anything like this so we'll see. I feel like I have the muscle to spare ( especially in the quads). And it may sound bad but I wouldnt mind losing some of it. My legs are built like a sprinters except they are covered with a considerable amount of fat. I wouldnt mind breaking down some of that muscle, burning more fat, and achieving a longer leaner look. But I know it doesnt work like that. We cant dream up our perfect body and then just go get... Wishful thinking:dizzy:

Dianne - goodluck with the new week - it's good we can start anew every hour, every day, every week and every month. Cus that's how life goes!

Dorian - that outfit sounds toally hot! So nice to fit into those pants again. Wish I'd have kept any old pants. I didn't. Thanks for the tip about waterweight - I didn't know about that yet, after some extensive googling I'm pretty sure that's what it is. Must be.

skinnyelle - thanks, you are right! I've had an off day today, so will see what tomorrow looks like. Or friday. Or sunday. Either way - the weight loss will come eventually!

sumire - OMG! Poor you. The moods could just be from just coming off the pill, or not... some people tend to have more of a hormone-rage going on than others. I agree, I will stick to a plan. I'm on a 2 month plan for now. Till half of september. But really just on a plan till I'm at goal weight. What do you eat with proteine that doesn't have equally as much fat? I love peanuts, but the fat just eats up my calories like crazy. I am a lil bit more bloated/gassy because of it also. ACK. Hope that passes quickly.

claire - you are right, will do! Hope you figure out what works for you, wether to loose a bit more or just maintain. Either is not gonna be a piece of cake. (pardon the pun)


Thanks you all for the support, I just got here and already am complaining. LOL. But it's nice to get such a warm welcome! Greetings from across the pond (the big one, the small one - it matters none)!

Oh, and I feel muscles in my tummy ache. Under all that fat there's appearantly muscles. I can't remember ever feeling them before! WEIRD.

claire0412: Thanks for giving me hope that maybe my righteous anger will fade once the initial adjustment phase passes. :D The moods are better today (though I haven't ventured out yet into the world to see if anyone will piss me off :lol:).

philana: Yeah, it's hard to rely on nuts for protein when you're restricting calories. I don't know whether you have this available to you in the Netherlands, or whether you eat dairy (& eggs), but I eat a ton of Greek yogurt (0% or 2%). It's thicker than regular yogurt and has more protein. Egg whites are also good for low-cal no-fat protein. I eat tempeh sometimes; there's fat in there, so it's higher-calorie, but there's still more protein per serving than with nuts; same for edamame. I've also found some soy protein strips (chicken & beef style) that are high in protein & low in fat. Oh, and lentils are good, too, and reduced-fat cheeses.

I remember getting sore abs for the first time that I ever recalled, last July... it does feel weird! Yay for you!

Happy Tuesday Feathers! Tuesdays are probably the day I like the least of the week. Mondays feel good just to get back into a normal routine, Wednesday is mid week, Thursdays are good because its almost Friday, and then well yea, Fri-sun is great! lol Ok thought Id share that hah

I am very pleased that I still managed to lose 1.2 pounds this past week with very minimal exercise and my horrible binge on Saturday (3k+ calories). I am so thankful. I will NOT mess up like that again.

Dorian I am so jealous of your hip size! I have such a bubble butt that no matter how small my actuall hips and thighs get, I will still have a larger hip area.

Sumire Ugh men!! They can eat pies and still lose weight. My oh My. To be a man lol jk! Glad you two could work out together!!

Skinnyelle Hows the detox going?? I am interested to hear if you feel full or not. When I did it, I felt hungry after every hour!

Philana Dont you love feeling the muscles in your stomach?! I did hot yoga for the first time the other day and I loved feeling the soreness in my muscles the next day!

Have a great day everyone!!

Happy Tuesday, all! Terribly busy lately and trying to cut computer time and trade it for reading my Bible. Normally I sit down and catch up with my blogs/boards while I eat breakfast. I always say I'm to busy to read my Sunday School assignment...but that's EXACTLY the excuse I HATE when people say why they don't exercise!! So...anyhow - that's my life... :lol:

Diane042425 - Glad you were able to have a confident boosting weight in. You are WORTH eating right and exercising!!

I got overwealmed with how many personals I missed and only have a minute on here - so sorry to neglect replying to you all. I decided to just go from this page forward!

Another 3 miles on my healing hammy - it went okay. Sunday I rode the spin bike at the Y for an hour. What's UP with the SEATS on those things!?! I was uncomfortable at the 30min mark but gutted it out. I thought road bike seats were bad! S'pose I will do some upper body work over nap time today - I have a meeting tonight with the Retreat Planning Committee...arg - seriously - WHY can't we just all be emailed and reply - why do we have to meet?? We are doing some skits and the Chairperson wants us all to meet with the script writer for us to agree on it. W

Yikes - methinks I need a snack or a nap - I sound like a grouch!!

Have a great Tuesday!

Haha skinnyelle I used to think that would be good too, losing a bit of muscle from my legs. Since I had foot surgery, one calf has lost muscle (because I can't tense my foot and don't use it to walk) and the other one hasn't. Wonky legs! I hope it goes away soon. Good luck with the fast anyway.

Philana No pond between us, but Germany is! Greetings from Vienna, hope your stomach muscles get better soon!

Sumire It will get better but my PMS is defo much worse since coming off the pill, but the days directly after it finishes are so much better because of it! Everyone (including myself) is just happy I'm back to normal :)

Dianne By the looks of your new picture, you don't have a big hip area! You look really skinny, congrats on your 1.2lb loss.

I am going for Mexican food this evening, nom nom. I will stick with fajitas or some kind of salad but will defo squeeze a cocktail in there too. One of my best friends is going to work in an orphanage in Mexico for a month, so we are having a girly night to celebrate. Alcohol will be good because uni is stressing me out with all their ridiculous paperwork. It is touch and go whether they will accept my exam date because some other piece of paper has been delayed (through no fault of my own). I will be mightily pissed off if they don't let me register it, seeing as though I have found 3 professors to examine me and the room and everything. I thought actually revising for the exam and preparing to defend my thesis would be the hard bit, but it seems Austrian bureaucracy is a force that cannot be matched. Matched it will be though, by my British polite but curt argumentation skills if they don't do what I want. Gah! I will try not to drink too much tonight, but I feel a few cocktails coming on already :D

I am adding on another .5 of a mile by month's end to be jogging a whole 3 miles. Not bad for a gal who up until two months didn't run for 3 decades, lol. I also want to up my HIIT cardio to twice weekly and reduce my weekly runs by 1 totaling just 3 days. I want to be at least 116 by July 31st and maybe my body fat % has moved downward. I also want to maintain the strides I've made thus far when I go to Disney next week with my family for a much-needed rest. And I just want to enjoy the rest of the summer with my boys before school starts again.

Nice to see everyone is doing well. :)

dianne042425 You arent thick at all! Tell your frenemies to shut it! How long did you do the detox for? Fruits and veggies only? What was your experience like in term of weight loss, etc?
Im not having too much trouble staying full but I am eating every 2 hours or so. I have loads of fruits and veggies and dried fruits to snack on and I try to make sure Im drinking a lot of water to make sure dehydration isnt the culprit when I feel hungry. It hasnt been too bad honestly. I dont go to bed or wake up with hunger pangs.

claire0412 haha that would make for funny looking legs. Im sure it will return to normal once you get moving again. Goodluck with all the school events and examinations! Enjoy the mexican dinner and have a cocktail for me!

fitmom Good for you on all the exercise!