kjmarks11

Today I'm proud that I've worked out every day this week - ALONE! I'm on the road for work, staying at a hotel and have no one to hold me accountable except me. And I did it - without slacking off! It feels great to know I can trust myself to stay on this path. For ME.

I don't have before & after pics to post right at the moment, but I do have some unexpected favorite body parts since dropping 15+ pounds! My waist & the front of my hip bones. I don't remember ever seeing or feeling them before! They're decorated with stretch marks from having children, but this part of my body looks…

1. Finding a workout that works for YOUR body. Treadmills/Ellipticals & strict cardio based workouts did nothing for me. Weightlifting is the workout for MY BODY. Noticeable results in 3 weeks! (lifting 4 times per week) 2. Surrounding yourself with health-minded people, articles, activities. This can be challenging but…

Sumo deadlifts made a world of difference for my inner thighs! Wow! Look at bodybuilding.com for proper form & technique. Also Bulgarian lunges - back foot on a bench, holding 25lb weights in each hand and 3 sets of 8 reps on each leg.

Yeah! I'm ready to shed 5 more pounds! SW: 157 CW: 140 GW: 135 Weigh in Dates: 8/1 8/8 8/15 8/22 8/31 Total weight lost: It will be our 15th wedding anniversary on 9 August. I would love to rock a sexy black dress for an intimate dinner followed by a hot dance or two with my hubby!

Yeah! You look GREAT! Can I ask what your starting weight was? It looks like you and I have similar body types and my goal was to loose 20lbs as well (down about 16-17 right now). I'm reluctant to post pics in my sports bra & shorts too, but if you're as proud as you should be - and know how motivating it is to us other…

20 year class reunion in July! Want to look better than I did 20 years ago! Lose a few more pounds (down 17 since Jan) and have a body that will rock a strappy black dress!

Those are the best kind of NSVs! I had no trouble parting with $75 for a new, much smaller pair of jeans after loosing only 12lbs. Such an empowering feeling to enjoy the way clothes look on your body. Great job!

I soak them in water and then put them in my protein shake after lifting. I'm addicted! They stave off hunger and make me feel full a lot longer. What an easy way to get more Omega 3's!

I always do much better with a little something in my stomach before a workout. My first pick is a cheesestick, second pick is a boiled egg. They have protein and some fat and seem like the perfect pre-workout snacks. I think blueberries would be fine too - but I'd recommend something with protein.

This is me too! I think you need to consider age in this question as well....I'll be 39 this year, have had 2 kids and my shape and metabolism aren't the same as when I was 20 or 25. I started at nearly 160 and would love to see (and be happy at!) 135. I have a medium frame, small chest and strong legs & arms. All of which…

I've been making whey protein shakes with some chia seeds and coconut milk. Delish! The chia has protein and thickens up the shake nicely. Then have a salad an hour later - with canned salmon or sardines and greek olives. No dressing!

I just bought a pair of Silvers from Maurices - the only version that worked for me was the Suki Surplus because they were mid-rise and fit my curves. Spendy ($75!) but so worth it. Even my 9 year old daughter said my butt looked small in them!

Very awesome observation! I noticed the other night sitting around the table with other women at a PTA meeting that I was one of the few that didn't have the big belly roll right under by boobs anymore. I know it was there awhile ago, but not anymore! Sad to compare myself to other middle-age moms, but man I felt good!

LIFT WEIGHTS first!!!! I was about 15lbs overweight - 5'5" weighing 160. I was on the treadmill or elliptical 3-4 times a week for a minimum of 45minutes and dieting. I couldn't get the weight off. Some guys at the gym convinced me to get off the cardio equipment and lift with them. I started lifting 3 days a week for 45…

My boobs first! Then my waist. I hate the thought of buying new bras with a smaller cup size, but it's gonna have to be done. Dang it. I'm enjoying the smaller waist immensely though!

Ditto here too! I had a couple friends at the gym convince me to get off the treadmill/elliptical and start lifting with them. I dropped 10lbs so fast I couldn't believe it! I now lift heavy 4 times/week and when I do go for a run I have tons more endurance and my skinny jeans are starting to feel loose. I'm only 3 months…

Chew gum! This may sound silly, but it works for me. If I've got a nice piece of fresh, minty gum going, I can resist the sweets and junk food.

I couldn't agree more. I've always dreaded keeping a food journal and have tried many methods. This is by far the easiest, most comprehensive food journaling site I've ever used. Keeps me motivated to read posts and get other perspectives on the quest for weight loss & health improvement. I'm hooked!