aamberrr Member

I really think you hit the issue here... I think it's just that you only JUST started fitting into the smaller size, and now you're thinking that since you just fit into them, you could quickly go up to the next size again, especially since this is an off-day for you. I really think you're going to be fine... It sounds…

I'm sorry, but this doesn't make sense. "I want to get more muscular and leaner" to me, at least = "I want to gain some muscle and lose some fat." ... Gaining muscle and losing fat means that the scale will go higher while body fat percentage goes lower. You already said you've lost some inches. I really think you're…

I turn so red I look ridiculous. I really just think it has to do with your complexion. I mean... honestly, I get so red I almost look purple-ish sometimes. And it lasts about an hour, usually, sometimes a little more. I've always been that way, no matter what physical condition I was in. No worries. :)

Also, I just wanted to add that if you're seeing this much positive change, you are obviously losing body fat... Try to focus less on the scale.

I know you said it's been almost a month, but give it some more time. I would put the scale away for a few weeks/month, and focus on how you're feeling, how your clothes fit, and some measurements if you really want to keep progress records. Also, I looked at your food diary, and noticed that you've only logged the last…

Yes, more people who love 311! Are any of you going on the cruise?

Atlas Shrugged was an optional book pick for a mandatory reading project in my 11th grade honor's English class.

Hmm, I'm sure I'll miss some, but: Pride and Prejudice The Great Gatsby A Farewell to Arms Lord of the Flies To Kill a Mockingbird Anthem Fahrenheit 451 Brave New World One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest The Bell Jar A Clockwork Orange

My birthday is the 23rd, too! I'm in. :)

I forgot Anna Karenina in my list. I read it one summer, and it was one of those books that I didn't realize that it wasn't going to get any better until about half way through... but I get stubborn and can't stand not finishing books. So it took quite a while to finish.

I love reading, and I love some classic lit... That being said, I hated, HATED Wuthering Heights, The Scarlet Letter, and Great Expectations.

Someone else who loves squats?! I LOOOOVE squats! :)

I'm a teacher. I'm certified to teach elementary K-6 and Special Ed up through 12th grade. And I'm scared as hell about the summer ending because then I'll have less time to work out and plan/cook meals. :(

This, this, this. I do zumba twice a week just for some heart-healthy cardio and to keep myself active. The majority of my progress comes from strength training. Lift heavy and aim to get stronger. Yes, doing zumba (or any cardio) will technically burn more calories while you're at the gym, but with cardio, the calorie…

Thanks everybody, I definitely feel less stressed about it now! :) I am interested to see if my body fat % dropped when we check it tonight!

Definitely not true. The calories you put into your body go into what you could think of as a "calorie bank." Your body uses what you need for energy out of the bank, and anything left over in the bank will start getting stored as fat. But your metabolism doesn't just shut down at a certain time of day. Now, I do try to…

Yeah, I mean, I know that I will lose SOME lean mass, but my goal is to lose as little as possible. It just seems like 3 lbs in a week has to be more muscle than I'd like to lose...

These look so yummy!

I agree that eating more would be a good idea. If you're scared to eat more, why don't you just add like 150-200 calories more per day then check in in a week or two and see how it goes?

I've done some NROL4W, but am currently working out with my fiance's parents, and they work on different body parts per day. In New Rules, the reps can vary per workout; right now I'm trying to do 10 reps for each set. Bench Press: 70 Bicep Curl: 15 (single arm with dumbells) Shoulder Press: 40 Lateral Raises: 15 Skull…

I used to be the same exact way, but honestly, now that I make sure I eat protein at every single meal and snack, I rarely get carb cravings. Most of my carbs listed on my macronutrients each day on MFP come from fruits and veggies. I usually eat 2-3 servings tops of some type of whole-wheat carb throughout the day and I'm…

I'm pretty sure there's no way you have 41% body fat. I'm pretty sure those machines are the least accurate way of measuring, and it sounds like that guy probably didn't even know what he was doing. You can buy skin fold calipers for pretty cheap (granted, doing it yourself is obviously not as accurate as having a dr or…

If you're starving, I say up it. I have my MFP daily goal set at 1610. Usually I'm right around that number (so on workout days the actual food that goes into my mouth is usually around 1850-1900, net is around 1610), but if there's a day here or there that I'm especially hungry and I've worked out, sometimes I'll net up…

My God, woman, you look amazing! Total inspiration for me!

Oh ok, that's what I get for only looking at the past week! :-P The frozen meals are tough... I've been trying to get my mom to stop eating them, as well (she just found out she has high cholesterol and her insulin levels are too high). The problem with them is that they are so quick and convenient, and relatively…

I looked at the last week or so in your food diary, and I'd say cut the cereal and frozen meals and try to up your protein. Most cereals (even those that are advertised as "whole grain") don't do much for your body. I try not to eat cereal at all, but if I do, it's for a snack. It is definitely not how I would want to get…

Definitely start reading up on nutrition. It's so interesting once you really get into it. 1,200 calories per day is probably not enough for you. You may lose at first because it's a shock to your body, but eventually your body will start holding onto whatever fat it can because 1,200 calories is not really enough to live…

Good point. Especially when the two things you're trying to do are pretty much mutually exclusive, haha. :)

Wow, why didn't I think of this? Haha, it seems so obvious now that you said it. Thanks. :)

Definitely! Also, while cardio workouts might show that you burn more calories than a lifting workout, your body continues burning calories hours after you finish lifting. Your metabolic rate stays up as your body fights hard to repair muscle tissue after a lifting session.