Losing that last freakin 10 pounds!!!!

[Lauriebell82]

Lots of weight training myths here!

 

3-5lbs and 12-15 reps won't make you beefy. Infact, they won't do a darn thing at all. Your grocery bag weighs more than that. Doing squats, lunges, bench press, military press, power cleans, etc. with a full Olympic barbell + 50lbs or more is how women really get in shape.

 

If you want to get into shape, get your diet in check. Your diet is not actually that healthy. "Weight control oatmeal" is actually higher in sugar than regular oats (read & compare the packages). Deli ham, sugar-free stuff, and can of soup is loaded with 2-3x the amount of sodium you need ina day (and preservatives) that will bloat you. TONS of sugar in that bar. You have no protein in your breakfast. 2 slices of bread with margarine is not a balanced snack. Your diet is composed almost entirely of carbs without a proper balance of protein (30-40%) or fats (20-25%).

 

I'm 5'4 and about 120lbs, I look like a girl who "works out" but not "beefy". Women do not get beefy without steroids and it takes a hell of a lot more work than the average woman could ever handle to get that way.

 

Here's an example of my typical diet. I recommend learning about the differences between carbs, protein, and fat, and how those need balance in a diet.

 

Breakfast: 1/2 cup oats (plain oats), 1 scoop protein powder or 1 cup egg whites, 1 banana, coffee with cream

Snack: 1/2 cup cottage cheese & 1/2 cup berries

Post workout: 1 scoop protein powder, water

Lunch: 1 chicken breast grilled, 1/2 cup brown rice, 1 cup plain broccoli

Snack: 1 small apple & 1-2tbsp peanut butter

Dinner: 1 salmon fillet, 1/2 cup brown rice, 1 cup plain broccoli

 

doesn't brown rice have a lot of carbs in it? How can I be eating a lot of carbs if the label says it's not? I buy that protein powder stuff sometimes, should I buy it again? It's expensive that's why I held off.

 

What can I bring as a snack to work that I can eat quick between counseling sessions? That's the main problem. I also bring my lunch to work, what is good food for that? Fiance and I are going to Walmart tonight, what is good food to buy?

[bean1]

doesn't brown rice have a lot of carbs in it? How can I be eating a lot of carbs if the label says it's not? I buy that protein powder stuff sometimes, should I buy it again? It's expensive that's why I held off.

 

What can I bring as a snack to work that I can eat quick between counseling sessions? That's the main problem. I also bring my lunch to work, what is good food for that? Fiance and I are going to Walmart tonight, what is good food to buy?

 

Yes, brown rice has carbs but only 1/2 cup of brown rice is a reasonable portion. Carbs are not bad (they are essential!), I eat 40% protein, 35% carbs, and 25% fats.

 

It isn't so much that you are eating a lot of carbs but that you AREN'T eating much protein or healthy fats at all! It leads to an imbalance.

 

Protein powder is good if you find it difficult to get protein in. It should be used as a substitute if you really can't get to a chicken breast or piece of salmon or something like that.

 

I would recommend you grab a cup of coffee and get reading on this:

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/womans_lean_sexy_bible.htm

 

(*ps, I was also 40lbs overweight at some time myself! This is how I got fit and changed my body)

 

Walmart snacks... hmm, well I would argue that Walmart is not a great place to buy snacks. I don't live in the US so our Walmarts do not sell any fresh produce. I don't know if yours does.

 

Some example snacks~ (3 triscuit crackers with 1oz skim milk cheese), (1 small apple with 1tbsp peanut butter), (1/2 cup cottage cheese & 1/2 cup fruit), I'm not sure what else, I generally eat the same thing because that's how I can keep track of the calories/protein/carb/fat makeup.

[Lauriebell82]

Yes, brown rice has carbs but only 1/2 cup of brown rice is a reasonable portion. Carbs are not bad (they are essential!), I eat 40% protein, 35% carbs, and 25% fats.

 

It isn't so much that you are eating a lot of carbs but that you AREN'T eating much protein or healthy fats at all! It leads to an imbalance.

 

Protein powder is good if you find it difficult to get protein in. It should be used as a substitute if you really can't get to a chicken breast or piece of salmon or something like that.

 

I would recommend you grab a cup of coffee and get reading on this:

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/womans_lean_sexy_bible.htm

 

(*ps, I was also 40lbs overweight at some time myself! This is how I got fit and changed my body)

 

Walmart snacks... hmm, well I would argue that Walmart is not a great place to buy snacks. I don't live in the US so our Walmarts do not sell any fresh produce. I don't know if yours does.

 

Some example snacks~ (3 triscuit crackers with 1oz skim milk cheese), (1 small apple with 1tbsp peanut butter), (1/2 cup cottage cheese & 1/2 cup fruit), I'm not sure what else, I generally eat the same thing because that's how I can keep track of the calories/protein/carb/fat makeup.

 

Our Walmart is a supercenter so it has pretty much everything including fresh produce and a meat department, ect.

[sunshinegirl]

Laurie, have you considered the idea that you may be trying for a target weight that is unrealistic for you, given your genetic makeup and your body's 'natural' set point? Have you ever weighed the target weight you want to reach? (And if it was in your teens, please consider the very likely possibility that as a teen your body was not yet fully matured or done growing!)

 

It might do you better to pause, step back, re-assess whether your 'ideal' weight is realistic, and realign your thought patterns to be more accepting of your (perfectly good looking!) body... rather than berating yourself for not losing that last 10 pounds. If you keep aiming for what could be an unrealistic goal, you will be constantly frustrated and increasingly trying to restrict and manage everything you put in your mouth in futile efforts to reach that unrealistic goal. Not a recipe for happy living, methinks.

[Lauriebell82]

Laurie, have you considered the idea that you may be trying for a target weight that is unrealistic for you, given your genetic makeup and your body's 'natural' set point? Have you ever weighed the target weight you want to reach? (And if it was in your teens, please consider the very likely possibility that as a teen your body was not yet fully matured or done growing!)

 

It might do you better to pause, step back, re-assess whether your 'ideal' weight is realistic, and realign your thought patterns to be more accepting of your (perfectly good looking!) body... rather than berating yourself for not losing that last 10 pounds. If you keep aiming for what could be an unrealistic goal, you will be constantly frustrated and increasingly trying to restrict and manage everything you put in your mouth in futile efforts to reach that unrealistic goal. Not a recipe for happy living, methinks.

 

I'm actually not a teen, I'm 26. I am done growin believe me!!! I do have a target weight in mind that I have been before. So I am trying to get to that point. But of course I know I will never look like a little skinny girl with no hips because it's just not my build. But I do want to get to a point where I was a few years ago.

[sunshinegirl]

I'm actually not a teen, I'm 26. I am done growin believe me!!! I do have a target weight in mind that I have been before. So I am trying to get to that point. But of course I know I will never look like a little skinny girl with no hips because it's just not my build. But I do want to get to a point where I was a few years ago.

 

I know you're not a teen, Laurie.

 

I asked if you are aiming for a weight that you had only been as a teenager - which is unrealistic to go for because teenage bodies are not yet fully developed.

 

On a more general note, I think we as women do ourselves a disservice when we get obsessive about a few pounds here or there; we become self-hating and not accepting of what are perfectly natural curves or pounds...and MANY of us develop unrealistic goals and targets and then orient our entire lives around counting calories, making sure we've done enough cardio/weightlifting/rationing of food in order to get to that certain weight or clothing size or 'look' that we are somehow convinced is where we 'need' to be. (Why? Do we think ten fewer pounds will make us more lovable, acceptable, or able?)

 

How much better and happier would our lives be if we learned to love every bit of ourselves, instead of hating certain body parts and madly trying to change them?

[Lauriebell82]

I know you're not a teen, Laurie.

 

I asked if you are aiming for a weight that you had only been as a teenager - which is unrealistic to go for because teenage bodies are not yet fully developed.

 

On a more general note, I think we as women do ourselves a disservice when we get obsessive about a few pounds here or there; we become self-hating and not accepting of what are perfectly natural curves or pounds...and MANY of us develop unrealistic goals and targets and then orient our entire lives around counting calories, making sure we've done enough cardio/weightlifting/rationing of food in order to get to that certain weight or clothing size or 'look' that we are somehow convinced is where we 'need' to be. (Why? Do we think ten fewer pounds will make us more lovable, acceptable, or able?)

 

How much better and happier would our lives be if we learned to love every bit of ourselves, instead of hating certain body parts and madly trying to change them?

 

Ah, yeah I am aiming for that weight of when I was 17. I never thought of it that I may never get there because my body is different. I have this vision of myself so thin but maybe it won't happen. I don't know. I am pretty thin actually for someone with my build. My stomach is so flat, I think my bones would stick out if I lost anymore weight there. I guess I just don't look "thin" from the front because of my curves.

 

I would be much happier if I weren't so obsessed. My fiance always comments on how awesome I look and that I worry too much about it.

[Trialbyfire]

While this has nothing to do with weight, I'm going to recommend something to you, LB. If those new pics reflect true, you might want to adjust your body language a bit. Straighten your back more so it denotes more confidence. Good posture is a win/win in that it looks good and will also be better for your body, in the short and long-term.[/end of LS maternal comment ]

[Keoki]

I agree with the others that you're probably now fighting against the weight/physique that your body wants to stay at. You're also not even eating enough calories to even maintain your weight. When you're active, you actually need more calories to lose weight than if you're inactive, otherwise your body goes into a sort of starvation mode. I'd suggest you see a nutritionist to get your diet on track.

 

As for working out, you should probably do some weight training to tone up your arms, particularly if you're concerned about how you'll look in your wedding dress. They seem to be the only potential problem area you have - lucky you!

 

Also, your choice in clothes isn't very flattering. You can make yourself look 5-10 pounds thinner, leaner, and longer simply with the right clothes. For example, gouchos are rarely, if ever, flattering on anyone, let alone a shorty with curves.

 

That said, I think you have a very distorted, unhealthy, obsessed view of your body image. About a month or so, it was unreasonably positive. You called yourself "really skinny," and were really excited about it. You fine now, but you are/were not "really skinny."

 

Now, if that picture reflects how you looked after losing 45 pounds, then believing that people didn't look at you prior to that weight loss and think you needed to lose some weight is also not an accurate reflection of your then-appearance. An extra 45 pounds added to your current figure would most certainly be noticeable, as losing it would have meant you lost 25% of your body weight.

[sb129]

LB-

 

If your fiance thinks you look great now, then BELIEVE him.

Self confidence is going to make you far hotter than losing that last 10lbs.

 

I know that if I was thinner but obsessed about food and working out and stopped enjoying food, my husband would despair. He even finds me attractive carrying all this extra pregnancy junk because of what it represents- which makes me OK with it too.

 

My "ideal weight" is the one I can maintain relatively easily with regular workouts and a good diet, but not a diet that is so restrictive I can't have a glass of wine, some chocolate or enjoy a dinner out etc, because cooking, eating and eating out are things my H and I love to do together.

[Lauriebell82]

I agree with the others that you're probably now fighting against the weight/physique that your body wants to stay at. You're also not even eating enough calories to even maintain your weight. When you're active, you actually need more calories to lose weight than if you're inactive, otherwise your body goes into a sort of starvation mode. I'd suggest you see a nutritionist to get your diet on track.

 

As for working out, you should probably do some weight training to tone up your arms, particularly if you're concerned about how you'll look in your wedding dress. They seem to be the only potential problem area you have - lucky you!

 

Also, your choice in clothes isn't very flattering. You can make yourself look 5-10 pounds thinner, leaner, and longer simply with the right clothes. For example, gouchos are rarely, if ever, flattering on anyone, let alone a shorty with curves.

 

That said, I think you have a very distorted, unhealthy, obsessed view of your body image. About a month or so, it was unreasonably positive. You called yourself "really skinny," and were really excited about it. You fine now, but you are/were not "really skinny."

 

Now, if that picture reflects how you looked after losing 45 pounds, then believing that people didn't look at you prior to that weight loss and think you needed to lose some weight is also not an accurate reflection of your then-appearance. An extra 45 pounds added to your current figure would most certainly be noticeable, as losing it would have meant you lost 25% of your body weight.

 

Skinny for ME, maybe not for you. Where do you think I got this "distorted" body image from? Crap like that.

[Lauriebell82]

I put a couple more up so I can clarify "skinny."

 

The one on the left is me at my best friend's wedding in the blue dress. (about a year and half ago). The one next to it was about 6 weeks ago and I am in the middle.

 

Can ya see what I mean now?

 

Oh I started my "healthy eating" kick at the advise of bean1. I went and bought all bran cereal and plain yogurt and a bunch of fruit and vegetables. I also bought triscuits and put the serving size in a little baggy and brought it to work as a snack so that I wouldn't eat more. I actually feel better and look less bloated today too!!

[Citizen Erased]

You should be very proud of your weight loss LB, you look great, really.

 

In that pic of you and your fiance (you two are gorgeous together btw! ) you're a little hunched over. Straighten up girl. :bunny: Is that usual? It's actually quite bad for your back and makes you seem a little frightened of what the picture is going to turn out as.

 

Aside from that, you look great. A lot of people would kill to be 120 pounds you know.

[Star Gazer]

you're a little hunched over. Straighten up girl. :bunny:

 

Yeah, I noticed the same thing.

 

I put a couple more up so I can clarify "skinny."

 

What does it clarify?? That your friend is thin?? I'm not following this discussion very well!

 

The one on the left is me at my best friend's wedding in the blue dress. (about a year and half ago). The one next to it was about 6 weeks ago and I am in the middle.

 

Can ya see what I mean now?

 

It's hard to tell because of the way the wedding picture is cropped, but it's very obvious to me that you've lost a good deal of weight - that's awesome, LB! Be proud of what you've accomplished, and stop comparing yourself to your friend. You're far too different for that comparison to ever be fair!

[sb129]

LB- I agree with CE. Stand up straight and be PROUD of what you have achieved.

Hold your head high and get some confidence....

 

You will look hotter for it.

[Pink Cupcakes]

I think women who are shorter look like they might not be "skinny" but they really are. An example of this is Scarlett Johansson, particularly in the movie He's Just Not That Into You. Compared to Jennifer Connelly, Scarlett does not look "skinny" but she really is a small woman in good shape. I think boobs and butts make shorter women look like they may not be "skinny" but in reality they are.

I think you are fine and are "skinny" already!

[Lauriebell82]

Yeah I do slouch, I think it was because when I was overweight I had real big breasts and because I'm short they kind of weighed me down I guess. That's just a theory though, I really don't know why I slouch. My fiance has said the same thing that I will nicer if I stand up more straight.

[Lauriebell82]

I think women who are shorter look like they might not be "skinny" but they really are. An example of this is Scarlett Johansson, particularly in the movie He's Just Not That Into You. Compared to Jennifer Connelly, Scarlett does not look "skinny" but she really is a small woman in good shape. I think boobs and butts make shorter women look like they may not be "skinny" but in reality they are.

I think you are fine and are "skinny" already!

 

Don't forget hips!!!

[hotgurl]

I agree LB

 

If you straighten up you will look thinner. Also the the length of one of you dresses and you shorts truncate you.

 

Since you are short a shorter length would make you look thinner. Instead of knee length wear something that hits between mid thighish (like the length of your friends dress)

 

Also the going to the beach pict if you were wearing shorter shorts and a more fitted top you would look skinny.

 

BTW congrats on the weight loss. I myself and trying to lose the last ten lbs and it is the worst.

[Lauriebell82]

What does it clarify?? That your friend is thin?? I'm not following this discussion very well!

 

No, clarifying the weight I lost.

 

 

It's hard to tell because of the way the wedding picture is cropped, but it's very obvious to me that you've lost a good deal of weight - that's awesome, LB! Be proud of what you've accomplished, and stop comparing yourself to your friend. You're far too different for that comparison to ever be fair!

 

Thanks! Yeah, I have a habit of comparing her to me. We are built so differently that you are right it's not fair. My fiance says he likes my build better though, he thinks she is too thin. (which I think she is too) At her wedding she looked even thinner then that, her bones were sticking out.

[Lauriebell82]

I agree LB

 

If you straighten up you will look thinner. Also the the length of one of you dresses and you shorts truncate you.

 

Since you are short a shorter length would make you look thinner. Instead of knee length wear something that hits between mid thighish (like the length of your friends dress)

 

Also the going to the beach pict if you were wearing shorter shorts and a more fitted top you would look skinny.

 

BTW congrats on the weight loss. I myself and trying to lose the last ten lbs and it is the worst.

 

I actually think the other way around. I always thought my legs looked bigger in shorter dresses/shorts because my thighs are my "problem spot." That's why I always try to wear longer stuff.

[hotgurl]

I actually think the other way around. I always thought my legs looked bigger in shorter dresses/shorts because my thighs are my "problem spot." That's why I always try to wear longer stuff.

 

That is what I figured. It doesn't have to be super short just an 2 inched above the knee.

 

I think most of this is in your head. You are beautiful and thin. Just learn to reconize it and you be all set.

[Lauriebell82]

That is what I figured. It doesn't have to be super short just an 2 inched above the knee.

 

I think most of this is in your head. You are beautiful and thin. Just learn to reconize it and you be all set.

 

Actually sometimes I roll my capris up to look like shorts and they look really good! My fiance said I look thinner with them rolled up because of my height and hips.

 

It's always been very hard for me because I've struggled for so long and my best friend has always looked like that. It's hard not to compare, it really is.

[Lauriebell82]

My wedding dress is temporarily in there if anyone wants to see. I don't want to ruin it for everyone.

[hotgurl]

gorgeous!

 

I have one suggestion I did this and it helped. I have a slouching problem too. and in a strapless dress you can really see it.. So I worked on my posture before the wedding. It helped you can also get one those training things so you don't roll your shoulders.

 

Yes your friend is beautiful but so are you. If you look at the pictures of you two the difference is that she is very confident you can see it is her posture and her face.

 

She also poses for pictures a lot.