[silverbirch]

Never, in all my born days, has my fat been so jiggly and lumpy. What is happening? Is this what it's like before meltdown and vaporisation? Is it the bags being packed? Do let me know.

I seem to be holding two opposing beliefs at the same time: that I am pretty fit and muscular, and that I am rather squidgily fat. I should also tell you that the top half of my body belongs to one person (obviously pretty fit) and the bottom half belongs to a couch potato (except there's something going on underneath it all and I am very far from being a couch potato. Haven't even got a television.).

Any ideas? Does it sound at all familiar?

[HungryMonkey]

I think we need some background information. Have you changed your diet and/or exercise routine? What and how much are you eating? How are you exercising and for how long?

[srmb60]

I have gone thru periods where my birthday suit felt too big. Is it like that? Then all of a sudden it's like my skin catches up to the smaller person inside and I'm smaller and firmer.

[4rabbit]

Hi Silverbirch,

I'm no expert, but I agree with Susan: I recall that I have read this before as being an intermediate stage towards getting smaller and firmer. Maybe some of your fat deposits are shrinking and their surroundings have not accomodated yet ?

rabbit

[northernbelle]

I have found that just before I drop a few lbs, my fat gets jiggly. I think that's because the surrounding tissue has to catch up with the fat loss.

So, I try to keep the fat jiggly. If it goes hard, that's a sign that I need to up the activity or take a close look at what I'm eating.

[Meg]

A lot of people find that their hard fat turns to Jello right before it gets ready to leave. It's a GOOD sign!

The explanation that I've read for this phenomenon is that before weight loss, fat surrounds and is marbled through your muscles. The intramuscular fat within your muscle is attached to and anchors the fat that surrounds the muscle and it's all hard and firm.

The first fat to go when you create a calorie deficit is the intramuscular fat. When that fat is gone, the fat surrounding the muscle has lost its anchor so it's loose and floppy and jiggly. That means its the next to go!

I think good things are happening!

[kykaree]

I remember you talking about this before Meg. Everytime I feel it, like in the shower or in the swimming pool I think of you My self talk or rather 'talk to the fat' goes something like this "Meg says your to pack your bags and get off - bye bye fat!"

Definitely a good sign, but a bit depressing, when you are working your butt off and are getting floppier rather than firmer, but it's temporary.

[silverbirch]

Thank you very much, everyone. You've confirmed what I hoped. Hungry Monkey: I've been working pretty hard at the gymn. I've been managing to get enough sleep regularly (this has been a particular bugbear). Food has been coming together pretty well.

The strange thing is that I remembered, vaguely and distantly, Meg talking about this phenomenon. And I thought it would never apply to me. And I forgot about it, more or less.

Guess what? I woke up this morning and have apparently lost 3lbs! Well, there you are then!

Susan - I love that phrase 'smaller and firmer'. I'm going to apply it to myself - liberally! Mind over matter, you know.

Thanks again, everyone!

[srmb60]

Ah! the inside me is smaller and firmer. In fact she looks like Lorena Funk ... tee hee.

[silverbirch]

... quick Google search ... Susan! You look lovely! Absolutely gorgeous!

[srmb60]

Thank you so much. I've been working out!