Any "Last Stubborn 20 pounders" out there?

slieber

How can you track body fat? Do you mean size-wise?

I've noticed that my back doesn't "fall out" of the bra as much anymore, which to me is a step forward. Is that what you mean?

I have a lot of muscle mass from years of ballet, plus from the current working out regimen. I look in the mirror though and see that I still have more to lose, as I know what I want my torso area to look like.

You can actually estimate your body fat through different means. The most available and inexpensive form that still maintains some accuracy is a skinfold test. Someone trained to use calipers will take measurements at specific sites on your body. They measure the thickness of a skin fold and use equations to determine your body fat percentage.

Other ways that are widely available are bioimpedance and circumference measurements, but they have about an 8% error. So if you get a 20% reading, you could be anywhere from 12-28% body fat. Bioimpedance monitors are pretty expensive and you have to make sure your hydration, activity, and TOM are constant each time you measure, and even then it's not very accurate.

More expensive but accurate ways are hydrostatic weighing and Bod Pod.

Thanks for that info. It's hard to say what my BMI is simply due to the muscle mass that I know I have (my calves are rock hard, for example). Not sure I'll go to such lengths to figure out the body fat percentage, though. All I want really is to get smaller in the waistline.

songbyrdsweet

How can you track body fat? Do you mean size-wise?

I've noticed that my back doesn't "fall out" of the bra as much anymore, which to me is a step forward. Is that what you mean?

I have a lot of muscle mass from years of ballet, plus from the current working out regimen. I look in the mirror though and see that I still have more to lose, as I know what I want my torso area to look like.

You can actually estimate your body fat through different means. The most available and inexpensive form that still maintains some accuracy is a skinfold test. Someone trained to use calipers will take measurements at specific sites on your body. They measure the thickness of a skin fold and use equations to determine your body fat percentage.

Other ways that are widely available are bioimpedance and circumference measurements, but they have about an 8% error. So if you get a 20% reading, you could be anywhere from 12-28% body fat. Bioimpedance monitors are pretty expensive and you have to make sure your hydration, activity, and TOM are constant each time you measure, and even then it's not very accurate.

More expensive but accurate ways are hydrostatic weighing and Bod Pod.

Thanks for that info. It's hard to say what my BMI is simply due to the muscle mass that I know I have (my calves are rock hard, for example). Not sure I'll go to such lengths to figure out the body fat percentage, though. All I want really is to get smaller in the waistline.

Oh, I haven't paid attention to my BMI in a long time. I'm 'overweight' and have been for years, regardless of how much body fat I've had! I primarily use measurements as well. I can use the mirror to see how much definition I have, and my pant size to determine if I'm losing fat. I'd like to get down to a size 2/3 (being 5 feet tall I think that's reasonable).

Mickie17

I get the "inches" thing..and I KNOW I've lost inches, and can see & feel it in my clothes when I lose inches. I guess I'm still trying to get the actual weight off my body, because of my knee. Whether it's fat or muscle, it adds stress to my knee...so that's why I am so adament about losing the "weight."

You know it's funny, I was thinking about the gal who's down to a size 8, (AWESOME, by the way), and I realized, for myself, I'm really, truly not thinking about going down pant sizes and all (I mean it'd be great to wear a size 4 again, HA, but I don't want to go out and spend the money on all new clothes)...I really am worrying about getting this weight off my knee. (I blew it out 4 times, 3 times within 2 years...so after reconstructive surgery, I'm very concerned about blowing it out again....or equitably worse, blowig out the other knee). My doctor advised me to get my weight down...did you know for every pound you carry it's some crazy number lmore of of an amount of weight stress on your knees & feet?

So I guess I need to work on "leaning" out...not getting bulky. Does this make any sense????

songbyrdsweet

I get the "inches" thing..and I KNOW I've lost inches, and can see & feel it in my clothes when I lose inches. I guess I'm still trying to get the actual weight off my body, because of my knee. Whether it's fat or muscle, it adds stress to my knee...so that's why I am so adament about losing the "weight."

You know it's funny, I was thinking about the gal who's down to a size 8, (AWESOME, by the way), and I realized, for myself, I'm really, truly not thinking about going down pant sizes and all (I mean it'd be great to wear a size 4 again, HA, but I don't want to go out and spend the money on all new clothes)...I really am worrying about getting this weight off my knee. (I blew it out 4 times, 3 times within 2 years...so after reconstructive surgery, I'm very concerned about blowing it out again....or equitably worse, blowig out the other knee). My doctor advised me to get my weight down...did you know for every pound you carry it's some crazy number lmore of of an amount of weight stress on your knees & feet?

So I guess I need to work on "leaning" out...not getting bulky. Does this make any sense????

Yea, some people do have to sacrifice fat and muscle mass because of orthopedic problems. I have the same problems when I start running...I have large quads and that worsens my runners knee. I wouldn't mind losing some muscle mass in my legs, but at the same time that would decrease my BMR.

Mickie17

Oh, I haven't paid attention to my BMI in a long time. I'm 'overweight' and have been for years, regardless of how much body fat I've had! I primarily use measurements as well. I can use the mirror to see how much definition I have, and my pant size to determine if I'm losing fat. I'd like to get down to a size 2/3 (being 5 feet tall I think that's reasonable).
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You know what...being 5'2...AND 1/2" :laugh: , I think you are absolutely right that 2/3 is do-able for you. I mean I use to wear 4's all the time...I probably never will again, because mostly, after I had kids my hips changed. (I got down to my pre-pregnancy weight, and nothing was the same anymore. Once I came to grips with that, I was okay with it, because I became a little more curvy). Do you feel like taller people hear how much you weigh and say, you aren't overweight...because for them, 125, 130, 135...is NOT overweight for them? For people like us, 125 is not as ideal, as say 118. I always say, when I gain a pound, it REALLY shows, and it does....and when I lose one, it shows too. It all about our body frame. My husband could gain 5 pounds...and you'd wonder where he gained it...he can also lose it by just breathing, UGH! But if I gain 5 lbs, I can't fit in my pants. I, admittedly, envy taller people who can carry more weight. Anyone got a taffy puller for petite people??????:laugh:

songbyrdsweet

Oh, I haven't paid attention to my BMI in a long time. I'm 'overweight' and have been for years, regardless of how much body fat I've had! I primarily use measurements as well. I can use the mirror to see how much definition I have, and my pant size to determine if I'm losing fat. I'd like to get down to a size 2/3 (being 5 feet tall I think that's reasonable).

You know what...being 5'2...AND 1/2" :laugh: , I think you are absolutely right that 2/3 is do-able for you. I mean I use to wear 4's all the time...I probably never will again, because mostly, after I had kids my hips changed. (I got down to my pre-pregnancy weight, and nothing was the same anymore. Once I came to grips with that, I was okay with it, because I became a little more curvy). Do you feel like taller people hear how much you weigh and say, you aren't overweight...because for them, 125, 130, 135...is NOT overweight for them? For people like us, 125 is not as ideal, as say 118. I always say, when I gain a pound, it REALLY shows, and it does....and when I lose one, it shows too. It all about our body frame. My husband could gain 5 pounds...and you'd wonder where he gained it...he can also lose it by just breathing, UGH! But if I gain 5 lbs, I can't fit in my pants. I, admittedly, envy taller people who can carry more weight. Anyone got a taffy puller for petite people??????:laugh:
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Oh gosh, I got up to 144 this summer and I looked like a totally different person than I do just 13 lbs lighter (where I am now). I had to go up a pant size and they were snug! I can tell too when I gain 5 lbs, it shows in my legs and stomach. If I was 3 inches taller I'd look perfect! LOL a taffy puller...sounds pretty painful!! :laugh:

NWCountryGal

Im close, and suceeding. My first weeks were hard because I had to learn what worked for me. The food diary is excellent but not perfect as each of us is different. So I use that as my "guesstimate" amounts. I eat from all the 5 basic food groups. I eat 5-8 meals a day, just depending on circumstances and whether I am hungry or not. Small portions so they are easily metabolized in my bod, 96 ounces of water instead of just the 64 recommended. I walk 4.2 miles 6 days a week, but not perfect. I've missed a day here and there. In fact, when I stopped trying to be perfect at this, I really relaxed, started enjoying it and losing. Some days I eat less than my food diary tells me, by about 100 calories or so and.........some days I go over(some like 300 over!!), and some under(more than 100 calories under). I feel good and I don't get "starved" ever. I take something from what every winner posts here and I apply it to my own plan. Everything I do I learned here basically. For me that 1 lb loss a week seemed so little at first, now, I know it's the best for me because I needed the time to form the good habits I will probably hang onto the rest of my life:drinker: :drinker: denise in OR

PS Write me anytime if you want to know some food ideas etc. :happy: Or maybe you can share some with me:bigsmile:

What's working for you? I'm in this range, and it's frustrating. I'd love to hear what;'s working for you!!!

Mickie17

Oh gosh, I got up to 144 this summer and I looked like a totally different person than I do just 13 lbs lighter (where I am now). I had to go up a pant size and they were snug! I can tell too when I gain 5 lbs, it shows in my legs and stomach. If I was 3 inches taller I'd look perfect! LOL a taffy puller...sounds pretty painful!! :laugh:
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Songbyrdsweet....I TOTALLY understand what you're saying...isn't is strange how diferent we can look so fast? I gain most of my weight in my butt/thighs...but the rest of me takes enough of a share too. (PS...that photo of your back looks amazing!!!):flowerforyou:

As for the taffy puller...I'm game....I'l try anythiing at this point!!!!!:laugh:

NW CountryGal...got any great suggestions for recipes to build a lean body??? That's my new mindframe, I'm going for healthy, lean & trim!

12by311

Well, I'm now officially back at the weight were it seems like the scale refuses to budge from!

I am surfing the crimson wave right now, so maybe at next week's weigh-in I will show a loss. I'll be pretty dang excited if that is the case.

I didn't let the scale sway my emotions this morning when I weighed in, so that was a success.

I have bumped my calories back up this week to 1400. So we'll see if this gets something going. I am also working on cutting some "white foods" from my diet as well.

Mickie17

Well, I'm now officially back at the weight were it seems like the scale refuses to budge from!

I am surfing the crimson wave right now, so maybe at next week's weigh-in I will show a loss. I'll be pretty dang excited if that is the case.

I didn't let the scale sway my emotions this morning when I weighed in, so that was a success.

I have bumped my calories back up this week to 1400. So we'll see if this gets something going. I am also working on cutting some "white foods" from my diet as well.

I refused to get on the scale yesterday, after the "Supper" Bowl, because didn't want to depress myself for takinga moment to have culinary reckless abdonment....but UH OH...I got on today....3 lbs!!! I GAINED 3 pounds...ev eryting I've los tin the past two+ weeks. My discouragment is when I an so good all the time, and then I take one moment to have "fun" and it blows everything for me. I'm exhausted....but I refuse to give up! Did anyone else have set-backs after the SuperBowl?

12by311

Mickie, maybe it's a lot of water weight from your super bowl snacks. Chug that water and see if that helps.

Today, I just changed my food diary to show my sodium intake. I was about 861 (mg?) over. :noway: My blood pressure is pretty normal...actually they always tell me it's somewhat low. But I need/want to cut this down!

So, now that's another goal for myself, to cut down on my sodium.

Mickie17

Mickie, maybe it's a lot of water weight from your super bowl snacks. Chug that water and see if that helps.

Today, I just changed my food diary to show my sodium intake. I was about 861 (mg?) over. :noway: My blood pressure is pretty normal...actually they always tell me it's somewhat low. But I need/want to cut this down!

So, now that's another goal for myself, to cut down on my sodium.

I've been surprised by that too...because I don't tend to like salty foods. THANK GOODNESS, because just the "natural" salts are enough to almost hit my max everyday. eye opening, huh? I thinkyo may be right aboutthe water...and I've only had 2 cups today...so I'm going to go chug some, before it's too late!!!

hmo4

Well, I'm now officially back at the weight were it seems like the scale refuses to budge from!

I am surfing the crimson wave right now, so maybe at next week's weigh-in I will show a loss. I'll be pretty dang excited if that is the case.

I didn't let the scale sway my emotions this morning when I weighed in, so that was a success.

I have bumped my calories back up this week to 1400. So we'll see if this gets something going. I am also working on cutting some "white foods" from my diet as well.

I refused to get on the scale yesterday, after the "Supper" Bowl, because didn't want to depress myself for takinga moment to have culinary reckless abdonment....but UH OH...I got on today....3 lbs!!! I GAINED 3 pounds...ev eryting I've los tin the past two+ weeks. My discouragment is when I an so good all the time, and then I take one moment to have "fun" and it blows everything for me. I'm exhausted....but I refuse to give up! Did anyone else have set-backs after the SuperBowl?

I'm terrified to get on tomorrow, weigh in day...Ugghhh, I binged and cried yesterday, it's was un uugglllyyy day.:sad: :sad:

awinmac

It sounds kind of icky but have any of you tried a colon cleanse?
I hear it can work wonders for that last few stubborn pounds as the gunk left in your intestines from years of bad food choices can weigh a lot. I am thinking about trying it soon. I wish you all lots of luck with your health goals!
cheers
-Amber

songbyrdsweet

It sounds kind of icky but have any of you tried a colon cleanse?
I hear it can work wonders for that last few stubborn pounds as the gunk left in your intestines from years of bad food choices can weigh a lot. I am thinking about trying it soon. I wish you all lots of luck with your health goals!
cheers
-Amber

The lining of your colon is smooth like the inside of your mouth. It is covered in mucous. Gunk does not build up on the walls of your colon over the years. If that were to happen, you'd become septic and die. Washing away that mucous with a colon cleanse puts your immune system and the lining of your colon at risk.

I know a great deal about the colon from personal experience and my degree. If you use MFP search you'll find a lot of information on why NOT to perform colon cleanses. They do more harm than good.

arewethereyet

It sounds kind of icky but have any of you tried a colon cleanse?
I hear it can work wonders for that last few stubborn pounds as the gunk left in your intestines from years of bad food choices can weigh a lot. I am thinking about trying it soon. I wish you all lots of luck with your health goals!
cheers
-Amber

The lining of your colon is smooth like the inside of your mouth. It is covered in mucous. Gunk does not build up on the walls of your colon over the years. If that were to happen, you'd become septic and die. Washing away that mucous with a colon cleanse puts your immune system and the lining of your colon at risk.

I know a great deal about the colon from personal experience and my degree. If you use MFP search you'll find a lot of information on why NOT to perform colon cleanses. They do more harm than good.

the garbage is already on the back porch, huh SBS!! :laugh:

arewethereyet

I am really getting frustrated. I am within 5 pounds of not being my healthy weight range and 10-20 pounds of my goal weight. The scale is not moving.

I am wondering if I am eating too much protein. I am always under on carbs and over on protein.

So after reading Banks thread, and SBS comments here and other threads, I am going to make a plan for myself.

I will give it 2 weeks and if I dont lose weight I will buy Alli, Nutrisystem, Slim Fast, Hydroxy Cut and take them all at once:noway: !!

Ok not really, but I hate to see Marie Osmond looking so damn hot in 4 freakin months!!! :laugh: :laugh:

:flowerforyou: Jeannie

newby99

I was told about this group in another post so I figure I would try it out. I have been on this website since the first of the year, and these last 20 are tough. I have been trying to lose them for about a year, but never was really serious. Now I am counting calories, and jogging between 6 and 10 miles a week. I hope to get them off that way. Any advice you have is greatly appreciated.








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newby99

I was told about this group in another post so I figure I would try it out. I have been on this website since the first of the year, and these last 20 are tough. I have been trying to lose them for about a year, but never was really serious. Now I am counting calories, and jogging between 6 and 10 miles a week. I hope to get them off that way. Any advice you have is greatly appreciated.








Created by MyFitnessPal.com -

sherris

i didn't ever have alot of wieght to lose so i started in the only "20 to lose" catagory.....

now i've lost 3 inches around my waist but i still...have not...lost...a...single...pound!!! not a singe pound!!!! i'm not really upset but.....i am in awe!!! i have no idea y! i keep refinig what i am doing....and still no change:noway:

it's like i started this in a plateu!!!!!! gesh!:huh:

12by311

Since I didn't have the scale move this week, I just took my measurements for the first time since starting this and I have lost 8.25 inches total. I'm happy about that.

Summarain

Just advice and it has helped me not to have any plateaus...reverse the way you eat..have your heaviest meal for breakfast then have a sensible lunch something like soup or salad and have cereal for dinner something like special K

Great advice!:flowerforyou:

Mickie17

I am really getting frustrated. I am within 5 pounds of not being my healthy weight range and 10-20 pounds of my goal weight. The scale is not moving.

I am wondering if I am eating too much protein. I am always under on carbs and over on protein.

So after reading Banks thread, and SBS comments here and other threads, I am going to make a plan for myself.

I will give it 2 weeks and if I dont lose weight I will buy Alli, Nutrisystem, Slim Fast, Hydroxy Cut and take them all at once:noway: !!

Ok not really, but I hate to see Marie Osmond looking so damn hot in 4 freakin months!!! :laugh: :laugh:

:flowerforyou: Jeannie

Yes...but remember she got a head start dancing 8+ hours everyday on dancing with the Stars. Any of us could do that and lose a ton of weight, but who has the that kind of time? Not me!!! I wish!!!!

Mickie17

Did any of you watch TBLoser last night and hear Jillian's comment about the inches thing???? OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was astonished by her comment about what trainers will say to clients.


Thoughts on that anyone???

OZZMUS

I know how you feel... it seems when the going gets tough I work harder at it and get less results. So far I find that if I am over training and take a rest day that I am able to lose weight the following week. I have to agree with the advice that we have to mix it up as far as the workout but I also find mixing up the diet a bit helps also. A week of fish and green veggies seems to help boost my fat burning engine.

"Success fuels our desire to do more"

12by311

Mickie, I agreed with (I think Banks) on the other thread, when he said he thought Jillian was intending that comment for that particular group of people. The contestants have a great amount of weight to lose and it is easier to burn fat than gain muscle. So, I agree with what she said in the context of the show itself.

Mickie17

Mickie, I agreed with (I think Banks) on the other thread, when he said he thought Jillian was intending that comment for that particular group of people. The contestants have a great amount of weight to lose and it is easier to burn fat than gain muscle. So, I agree with what she said in the context of the show itself.

Ohhhhh...I'll have to check that out! Thanks!!!!



I'm thinking the mixing everything up is running true too. I'm really pumped today because I moved up to Level 2 on The Shred dvd...and I made it through almost everything without actually having a seizure or dieing!!! :laugh:

Marla64

I can't do those walking push ups-- hurts my wrist!!!

songbyrdsweet

I did the stairmill on level 12 for 30 minutes today. :noway: I didn't lose 5 lbs afterward. Very disappointing. :grumble:

:laugh:
I'm about to go do legs now. I'm STILL 131.2, have been all week! :explode:

slieber

I appear to have lost another pound this week, but I'll know on Saturday. I haven't FELT like eating so I have only been eating normal, healthy stuff (e.g. no cravings - except for today, when I wanted something sweet but not chocolate or coffee!).

I consider not craving loads of anything a milestone, actually. We shall see at the weekly weigh-in, though. I'm doing the interval training that Songbyrdsweet recommended and I feel so far it's working. Thanks SBS!