Reevaluating my goals---friends/advice wanted.

ginandtonica

I am re-assessing my weight and fitness goals and have come to the unwelcome conclusion that I am probably going to have to change the way I eat to reach my new goals. When I first started on MFP in August I had a very vague goal of "losing weight", and a goal weight in mind, based on how I had looked at other (younger) times in my life. Since then, I have lost some weight, and am less than 10 lbs from that goal. That is all well and good, but along the way I have come to realize that just "getting thinner" isn't enough for me. I actually enjoy the challenge of working out, am impressed with my physical progress (ie, new muscles visible, more cardio endurance, physically stronger than I used to be, and i just feel better!) and now my goal is to shed the layer of fat that is covering my body, and expose the newly toned muscles that I know are under there, and that I am working so hard to develop. Instead of wanting to look better in my clothes, I want to look great in shorts and a tank top this summer.

I have lost 13lbs and a bunch of inches while eating exactly like I always have, just less of it. I cook at home most meals, and very little is out of a box. No rice a roni, hamburger helper, frozen meals, etc. But I am still eating plenty of "white" food like bread, rice, potatoes, etc. and I fear those will have to go soon to get the badass body I now want. I refuse to give everything up all at once, or say I will never have cake, or a cocktail or ice cream ever again. For me, that is not realistic. My lifestyle will always include meals with family and friends and if I cant have a cocktail or four every now and then, well, goodbye cruel world! But I eat ice cream 4 or 5 nights a week (even though it fits in my calorie requirements) and I bet that is not exactly helping my progress! I am not willing to go caveman or atkins or anything crazy like that -and if you are into that, I am not knocking you. I just know I can't go there for the long haul. I am looking for something sustainable, and for me those are NOT.

So....here is my question/request. Who out there has a plan, or knows of one, or a book, or something about "eating to be lean and toned" or something similar. OR...if you are also working on a similar goal, or have achieved one by "cleaning up" your diet, I would love to hear from you. I am planning on slowly making these changes so that I can make them stick. This week I am adding more fruits and veggies into my diet. Next week, well, who knows. I just know that MFP has helped me so much already and I would love to be able to learn from your collective experience.

Thanks in advance, and can't wait to hear from you all!

KyleB65

I am in a similar situation. I am approaching my initial goal. As I have seen what is possible I want more!

To be honest, I want my wife's jaw to drop every time she sees me!

I have no real plan but like you I know that it will mean reducing my carbs and perhaps switching up my workout routines.

For 2012, I have resolved to get into a routine that includes running (already started - did my first run Jan 1) and with that participate in a Spartan Race in June. From there I will continue to make the small adjustments required to get the Adonis body i now think I can achieve!

For me, I am looking forward to the experiences as much as the result. I have had so much fun the past year losing weight and improving my health. I want this to continue.

Best of luck finding that mix of eating and exercising that works for you!

rainbowbow

Body for life?