I don't see it either (definitely not 10-15. Maybe 1-2% body fat to be completely ripped), but I understand where you're coming from. Of course I don't know how tall you are, so your 10 lbs could be my 5...

these are all great plans! i'm in the same boat - just down to the last 10 and not entirely committed. a friend of mine is trying to get me into fitness competitions, and i think that might be my final motivation to swing the scale and body fat %!

Same here ladies, after 2 silver wedding celebrations, and 2 birthdays, in 2 weeks, I have had my days off for the rest of the year. Now back to some serious effort. I only have 2kg to original goal weight, but am actually upping calories to maintenance, as I am trying to increase muscle (just slightly) with my weight programme at the gym. September 4th is my 3 month assessment, and I really hope that body fat% is down and muscle mass is up. I think I can see and feel a difference. I too have thrown out all my larger clothes, including the pants in my profile photo. believe it or not I bought then 7 years ago, after shedding a few lbs., and I vowed I would never outgrow them. I never dreamed I would throw them out because they got too big. ZB if your profile is your before picture, I really hope my after picture looks half as good :-) Caitlina don't worry about what MFP predicts, its a one size fits all, and in reality we are all so very different. I just work my workouts out myself, as best I can. Thinking in investing in a Heart Rate Monitor. Anyone use one, are they any good?

Well, almost complete with my first week using my new getting serious plan. I've done fairly well most days but there is a lot of room for improvement. I'm getting bloated right now and gaining that pre-period 3-5 pounds that seem to get every month, I hate to say it but bring on menopause and I won't have that to worry about. LOL

I've gotten up 20 min earlier 4 out of 5 days this week and road a stationary bike for 30 min and walked on the treadmill for 30 min in the afternoons during my break at work. Upping the calories was not a problem (pre-period cravings) I think the main reason the increased calories is easy is because I added protein shakes to help my muscles recover from the more aggressive activity I'm doing. Overall, I feel pretty good about my first week and I still have my main goal, to drop most of my last 10 lbs by my daughter's birthday in November.

Mel, you'll be back on track in no time. We all have rough weeks and things happen that we can't control. Your doing great.

Jackie, I just go a new heart monitor and I'm trying to get used to it and use it for my workouts. I'll let you know how I like it after a few times of working out with it.

Caitlina, I agree with Jackie, MFP seems to give everyone the same number of calories to eat and trys to predict but we all lose differently and there is no one size fits all formula. It looks like your doing a great job. If what your doing is fun and it works for you, keep it up and you'll reach your goal.

Question for you ladies, do you eat back the calories you burn?

It has been a hard 2 days. Period has not been kind to me and dh had hernia surgery today. So making all the best choices hasn't been the easiest. But did manage to get a 4 mile tempo run today. Just trying to keep it together right now. Tomorrow should be more calm and back to normal. Will get back on track with my diet. I've also got to drink more water. I usually drink a gallon a dy, but for some reason have just not been feeling it. I guess it's just been stressful all week.
Jackie my pic is not my before pic. Before having kids I was about 30 lbs overweight, then had ds and lost like 60lbs , then got preggo again and had to lose those 60 lbs all over again. I started back really hitting the weights hard last December and that's when I started to see abs again. Now I have really 5-8 lbs of fat I really want to lose to get the definition I want. Luckily I'm very pear shaped and my tummy will get flat, but my butt is still huge lol. But thanks.
Catalina, yeah don't pay attention to what those calculators on her say. I really don't understand how they get the umbels they do on certain things.
Ji- I wish they had fitness competionsions around here. Talk about motivation. I did bodybuilding competitions when I was much younger (18-19 years old ) and it was fun and motivating to get on stage in a teeny bikini and show what you've worked for. Anyway get a good coach and you'll have a blast.

Hi! I have had some medical complications as well, as finally resolved to see a naturopathic doctor to find preventative measures in order to avoid having issues that I later have to take care of. For period issues, I take Chaste Berry and Red Clover supplements; no more cramps or abdominal pangs, bloat, etc.
I also have a larger-than-necessary hip and thighs area, and nothing seems to fit me at my favorite stores. I'm training for a marathon, and have been running longer distances lately. My legs seem to be shrinking in circumference, and I'm beginning to see small dimples in my lower back now. So I think that is the trick-- more workouts in the fat burning zone.