My original goal was 150 pounds, and when I got there - I just wasn't happy. I still felt fat and while I was much smaller, I still didn't like how I looked.
So I changed my goal to 135 pounds, somewhere I never dreamed I would go!
And I realized that it's MUCH more difficult to lose weight the smaller you are. This has been TOUGH. It took several weeks to get out of the high 140's - I just keep hitting plateaus. Now that I'm getting closer to 135 pounds, I'm still not satisfied! I'm ALMOST in a Size 6, which is just AMAZING. I started this LONG journey out at an 18-20! But I don't feel comfortable in my own skin. My arms are still flabby, my mommy tummy isn't flat, my thighs are jiggly.
I know that what I REALLY need to do is tone up, but that's so hard when you're a busy mom. I have started running/walking 3 1/4 miles 3x a week, and I feel so incredibly LIGHT when I'm running and I really enjoy it - I just haven't noticed much of a difference yet. I was thinking of taking some Pilates classes, but I'm just not sure if I'll be able to squeeze it in to my already crazy life!
I really don't think it's a self-esteem issue. I know exactly how fabulous I am! :O) It's really just facts.. I have 'grandma arm', my thighs aren't toned, my hips (while tremendously smaller) still stick out, my belly still pokes out, I still have a 'baby face', and so on. I guess maybe there's your DREAM vision - when you'll be wearing some hot, tight dress - and people will be WOW'ed.. and then a realistic dream, when in the end, you kind of just look like everyone else.
So I just have a few questions..
Did you ultimately change your goal weight because you weren't satisfied?
Did you have to make any BIG changes in what you were doing when you got closer to your goal and/or smaller? Did you start a diet plan, add in new exercise, change your calorie intake, etc?
When did you REALLY feel like you were healthy AND looked good?
What kind of exercise REALLY helped you tone up?