leannems Member

I'm really sorry you've had to deal with depression. I suffer from it as well, but have been able to find the right meds to help. If you haven't been to a doctor yet to discuss your depression, I really recommend it. I totally get that it can mess with your weight, and you should never feel pressured to disclose your…

I could see signing up right when you found out, but then realizing there wasn't much for you to do other than to try to find the women, and then finally posting about it. What's the goal of the therapy? Are you trying to get back together, end it, or still figuring it out? BTW, I'm sorry he broke your trust. People are…

Send the flowers if you want to, expecting nothing in return. She replied to your email, so I doubt it'd be a total annoyance.

I schedule my workouts for my lunch break. I'm very lucky that even though I have a high-stress job, that they let me get away with this. I know this isn't an option for everyone. I also pay a lot for a trainer - he makes me pay him up front, each month. If I blow off a workout - he keeps it. Funny what a motivator money…

Comparing yourself to other folks can be a total motivation killer. It's ok if you're just trying to get a general sense of how long it has taken people, because ultimately, I'll think that you'll see that there is no general sense - every body is different, and the time it takes to lose weight depends on a huge variety of…

Check out the old navy size chart online. The XXL is the equivalent of a 20, and falls somewhere between the measurements of their 18 and 20 (1X and 2X) in the women's plus range. For example, I usually either take an XXL in their regular range, or a 2x in their plus range. The 1x in their plus range may fit, but is…

First - it's awesome that you still come check this thread; your success is well earned and you've been so sweet answering questions. Has there been much difference between what you did before and what you do now? I think your original post was 2 years ago, and it looks like you've maintained. What changes have you…

If you're looking to make stuff at home - I brew coffee (for caramel flavor, I like the dunkin donuts caramel coffee cake), add some torani sugar free syrup (If you're not used to the taste of sugar-free products, I hear these can taste funny, but I've used sugar free stuff for a while, and the flavors don't bother me),…

Hey, would it be super crazy for me to ask what your daily or weekly schedule looks like? It sounds like you made the time by making fitness a priority (and it shows); I'm just looking for what your real-world, day to day looks like.

Not a swimmer, but worked in swimsuit retail for 8 years. Here's how manufacturers say to wash a suit - hand wash, using mild dish soap or unscented shampoo only. Line dry. I typically wear my suit into the shower and wash it with the shampoo I'm using - scrunch it several times to get it soapy, then run clean water…

Here's the thing. Dude is not being honest: I'm not asking you to lose weight for me, that would make me a real *kitten*. I guess I'm asking if you are in the process of losing weight and going in the direction. If so, I definitely want to see more of you. If not, I don't think it would work between us, and that pains me…

I'm at 40 lbs (started at 290) and people have noticed, although it's sort of random. They notice more when I wear something more fitted. I also haven't lost any weight recently, but have lost inches (re: heavy lifting) and those inches were much more noticeable to people. I think maybe it's the definition in muscle that…

Oh - and for prep. Wash, wash, wash it until you can't wash anymore. Strain it in a colander, and push moisture out with some paper towels. Then put it in a hot dry pan and cook it, letting a bunch of the water cook out and evaporate. Then add it to your recipes and sauces. I find when I dry it out like that, it holds…

This sounds like tofu shirataki (if you're avoiding soy, there are non-soy versions). My fave recipies for it are: http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2016/01/quick-easy-homemade-ramen.html (sub out for the ramen) http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/dan-dan-noodles-recipe.html (sub out for noodles; I do a mix of real…

This is what I will say from personal experience - lost about 40lbs last year, looking to do about 25-30 this year. I lost weight from watching what I ate. Yes, I exercised, but that's because I wanted to be stronger. I pretty much only lifted weights, but decided I wanted to add in some cardio because even with the weight…

I needed this today lady. Thanks and awesome work!

I didn't quote the entire thing because I didn't want to take up space, but YES YES YES. Thanks for your post. It was perfection.

you were never an ugly duckling - beautiful both before and after. Congrats and keep up the good work!

I'll be honest - money and accountability. I have a trainer, and he's more expensive than the gym. I pay him a month up front for workouts M/W/F. If I don't go, I don't get to make it up and the money is his (barring special circumstances - which I pre-arrange with him). It's harder for me to give up this money (vs.…

I'd probably tell you not to do crunches either - I don't find them super effective. I prefer planks, dead bugs (and honestly, deadlifts work my abs better than anything). If you insist on doing crunches, I like to put just my fingertips behind my head, and keep my elbows way back through the entire exercise - almost…

I fluctuate 5 or so lbs just from retaining water (TOM or eating something salty). Two weeks is not enough time. Keep the course - track something else (inches), and give it at least two months before you determine there is a problem.

This too. Sometimes on the weekends I'll get up to 700-800, but I prefer around 500. Weekdays its always low cause I like to eat snacks at work. Forces me to get outta my chair.

I am confused by your family's definition of bulky. In general, bulky means taking up more space, right? Keep lifting weights (because it sounds like that's what you want to do). Track your measurements. You tell me whether or not they increase and hence, you actually meet the definition of "bulky." I bet you they won't.…

This, although sometimes I'm not able to life quite as heavy. I'm not sure how it might be different for someone with endometriosis. That's a tough break, so maybe check with your doc?

If your family isn't giving you a good outlet (nothing you are feeling is "crazy" - it may be "emotional" but that's NOT a bad thing - most people have emotions), don't knock going to a therapist, or counselor, or someone else. Therapy can be really awesome and helpful. Don't think of it as a negative. Losing weight is…

also this for protein powder ratings

I make my own iced coffee at home! I make a cold brew coffee concentrate (this recipe looks similar to what I do), and then put cashew milk in it. I typically sweeten it with sugar free syrups, but if you like real sugar, a little bit won't kill you. I don't know too much about protein powders, but my current fave is this…

Hey Americans - Slimming World is the UK's version of Weight Watchers. Syns are sort of like Weight Watchers flex points. So you get so many bonus points to use throughout your week - that's how you can fit in some indulgences. Syn is just the lingo Slimming World uses. Slimming World, like Weight Watchers, also uses the…

Best exercises for building my butt (my butt may be different from your butt) have been squats and split squats. On squats I'm between 145-250lb (depending on the rest of my routine, and how many reps I'm going to do) and on splits I'm between 45-145lb (again, depending on the rest of my routine, reps). If you're not…

Oh I feel you. Like really, really FEEL you. All the feels. I have a thin husband. I'm fat. I work out really hard and try to eat well. I lose weight slowly (super slowly), and I've been depressed before (but am not currently). I can only talk from my experience - yours will be different - but at least you might be able to…