Reasonable Expectations

SisterSueGetsFit

I received a huge surprise this morning. My parents are taking us to Tahiti for Christmas. This came completely out of the blue. Anyhow...that gives me 41 weeks to get to a point where I feel comfortable in a bathing suit. I've previously lost 55 pounds and up back up about 15. My stats are CW: 165 at 5'5". I've been carefully weighing and losing at about a 1/week for the last 5 weeks. While my overall goal is to continue to lose weight, it's important to me to tone up as well so I look better. In my previous weight loss journey, I lost quite quickly and am "jiggly."

So my question is this... Is it reasonable at my stats to expect to lose 25 pounds in 41 weeks while hopefully toning a bit? I understand I'm not going to be putting on much (if any) muscle mass while in a caloric deficit but just hoping for some advice. This is a once in a lifetime trip and I'll enjoy it regardless, but it sure would be great to rock a cute suit and feel beautiful in it.

RelCanonical

That seems like a reasonable timeline with reasonable expectations about retaining muscle. I think if you maintain as much lean body mass as possible through a reasonable deficit, good protein intake, and exercise, the results should be a lot better than they were when you lost quickly. 25 pounds is a bit more than 1/2 pound a week, which is reasonable for your weight considering you're fairly close to a healthy weight.

Edit: Just wanted to say "reasonable" one more time, lol.

SisterSueGetsFit

RelCanonical wrote: »

That seems like a reasonable timeline with reasonable expectations about retaining muscle. I think if you maintain as much lean body mass as possible through a reasonable deficit, good protein intake, and exercise, the results should be a lot better than they were when you lost quickly. 25 pounds is a bit more than 1/2 pound a week, which is reasonable for your weight considering you're fairly close to a healthy weight.

Edit: Just wanted to say "reasonable" one more time, lol.

Hehe. I think it's pretty "reasonable" too. I don't want to go overboard with expectations, especially since I know I won't/can't likely keep up with a pound per week loss. I want to make this more about looking good than losing weight. Thanks for your input.

middlehaitch

Woo hoo, what a surprise.
Great goals, an very achievable.

I know you can count cals, so aim for consistency, but enjoy special occasions.
If you can get to a gym and lift heavy things, do so, if not, follow a body or dumbbell programme at home, for ‘toning’.
Do some alternate types of cardio too, just for enjoying the trip; swimming, hiking, etc.

I plan my holidays almost a year in advance, then train for the adventures I want to do while away. A great way to stay in shape.

Cheers, h.
(Remember, if you have a body, you can wear a swimsuit. No need to be perfect.)

SisterSueGetsFit

middlehaitch wrote: »

Woo hoo, what a surprise.
Great goals, an very achievable.

I know you can count cals, so aim for consistency, but enjoy special occasions.
If you can get to a gym and lift heavy things, do so, if not, follow a body or dumbbell programme at home, for ‘toning’.
Do some alternate types of cardio too, just for enjoying the trip; swimming, hiking, etc.

I plan my holidays almost a year in advance, then train for the adventures I want to do while away. A great way to stay in shape.

Cheers, h.
(Remember, if you have a body, you can wear a swimsuit. No need to be perfect.)

@middlehaitch Agreed... A very lovely surprise. I'm still in a bit of shock.

I do have access to a gym! I have one at work where I use a rowing machine 3-4 times a week. I've just recently picked it up, but I really, really like it. I also have one at my townhome complex and a membership to Planet Fitness. I agree with lifting heavy... I just have to find a good program. And do it.

And yes, totally agree on not having to be perfect... I just want to feel comfortable. At almost 42, perfect is a bit out of reach.

Cheers to you, too.

DancingMoosie

I had good results from doing cardio with strength, like 30 day shred, ripped in 30, the firm, etc. If you have access to a gym with weights, great (I didn't at the time). Stronglifts 5x5 is a great place to start if you have free weights.