biancamirella Member

I admire you wanting to keep your birthday healthy! I did the same for mine and am happy I did. Feels like more of an accomplishment because it's an easy day to make excuses to super splurge. In the end, this is about a lifestyle change and birthdays are a perfect test. For my bday, I made a cake from a recipe I found on…

I think people react to your progress in a negative way when they can't manage the same results themselves. The sabotage isn't always conscious. I've been in the same situation plenty of times. Don't beat yourself up about it, but be weary of surrounding yourself with people that aren't supporting you the right way. You…

I've struggled with the exact same problem for years - even chewing gum would make my stomach upset. I'd wake up slim and normal, then bloat up after 15 minutes. I went to my doctor and she really couldn't figure out what was going on. I got tested for gluten and lactose intolerance and came back negative for gluten and…

I'm the kind of person that HAS to workout at the gym, otherwise I don't complete my workouts and don't push myself as hard. It helps hold me accountable - since people begin to recognize you. I've met a lot of people that have helped me stay motivated through everything. It's also nice to have a place to escape to, to…

I weigh absolutely everything. It's really helped me get a more realistic idea of portion sizes. Plus, I like having exact numbers in my log. I've had the most success when I am weighing everything with a scale. Using measuring cups isn't as exact, as it depends on how much you fill it up and where you fill it up to.

I had the same fears when I started working out at a gym, I think everyone goes through it at one point :) Then someone told me something that I still repeat to myself this day. He said, " Everyone at the gym is there to do the same thing - to improve themselves. Anyone saying anything negative about other people, is not…

The nuts idea is really good. You could also try getting some protein powders and mix them with milk/soy milk to have in between some of your meals. Depending on the protein, you can get about 300 calories there, and since it's a liquid, it might be easier for you to get down. If you have been eating less then 1200 for…

Strawberries and fresh shrimp

Sometimes candles with a strong scent or really great smelling lotions help. Also try writing in a journal, doing an art project or getting out and moving around :)

Here's a really great link on how to calculate macronutrients. It's catered to your personal fitness level and body weight. A little confusing to figure out at first, but simple enough once you've read the info :) http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=121703981

Leave it alone if you are heading to bed soon :) Then it's just useless calories. If you are going to eat something before you go to sleep, it should be a casein protein supplement or cottage cheese, since you body uses this as fuel while you sleep.

You would all love Jenny Grothe's page on Facebook "recipes for gals in figure and bodybuilding". She posts tons of healthy alternatives to just about anything you could dream of and has the most amazing oatmeal recipes! She has a book too called, I think, 40 ways to love your oatmeal. Highly, highly recommend it! And it's…

To hold yourself accountable, not beat yourself up for slip ups, but don't make excuses to have them. There are enough battles we face in our lifetime, the one against ourselves shouldn't be one of them. And lots of water!

One motivating thing is that you only gained back a fourth of what you lost before! You successfully changed your comfort zone weight, and that's huge! You can do it no problem this round :)

It's definitely tough when you've had that kind of success and then hit a plateau. Just keep up the good work, stay consistent! It's natural for the weight loss to level out at certain point. All you need to do is keep the diet and workouts up and your body will eventually start dropping again. One of my favorite…

Congratulations!!

You could try using some healthy oils when you cook, or drizzle some over your meat/veggie dishes. Olive oil is great :)

Wow! Great job!

Congrats! Great progress :)

Yes! That's one of my tricks to get all my water in. Or a squeeze of lemon juice :)

I don't think it's too big of a problem. It might be good to keep your body reminded of the routine it should be in. Just go and do what you can, don't push yourself more than you are able. I try to go to the gym no matter what because it keeps me mentally on point. "Your body hears everything your mind says" - Naomi Judd.…

From what I understand, the amount that is calculated is the goal that will supply your body with enough energy to function throughout the day. Maintaining a total around that goal over a period of time will help you lose weight, and as your weight adjusts, so the goal will lower. You don't want to start too low because…