MicheleWE Member

btente-I'll admit you are talking just a bit over my head. This is what I can tell you, I am doing Gluteal Goddess by Bret Contrares. I did the entire beginner program and I am now on the advanced program. Some of the exercises in this first phase have higher reps, such as 3 sets 20 reps of hip thrust, or 3 sets of 20 reps…

Stef-thanks for the article recommendations, I will check those out. Stress is a big one for me. As far as weighing my food, I weigh it all when I am at home. Yes, the peanut butter that night was an estimate as I was at my parents and in desperate need of a snack, so I estimated the amount. However, I always weigh my…

Most activity levels I've seen account for your working out hours/days. I've been reading "Strong Curves" by Bret Contrares and this is what he listed. Resting Metabolic Rate x activity level=daily caloric intake Sedentary x 1.2 Lightly Active (1-3 days per week) 1.375 Moderate (3-5 days per week) 1.55 Highly Active (6-7…

Sometimes, yes, I feel the same way, but then I remind myself that no one is forcing me to do this. I choose it! I choose it because I want to wear clothes that are cute, I choose it because I want to be healthy, I choose it because I don't want to be imprisoned by fat any longer. The list is really long! Then when I focus…

I am also 5'5" and at 158 lbs and I sure don't look like you do, if I did I would be a happy girl indeed! I think you look great, and as everyone else has said, you could stop if you want to. I am at a place that I feel like if I don't push now I may not ever have a chance to see what I am capable of and I want to know. I…

Hi all, Freckles turned me onto this group. I've completed the SC beginner's program and just finished my first week of Gluteal Goddess. I am hoping for a miracle! I did notice improvement with the beginner program. I can "feel" all those backside muscles now, even though they are still covered with layers of fat, can't…

Ok you've convinced me to try!

I am in to glean tips as well. I am glad to hear I'm not the only one with incredibly slow weight loss. Is it age or because of lifting? A few years ago I lost 85 lbs and it came off so easy, but the only exercise I did was walking and I didn't like the way my body looked either. So the weight lifting stays! I will just…

Fantastic work! I love how your eyes shine so bright now. You are doing great and will achieve all your goals.

Thank you for sharing!

My vote is for 1 & 3, I think the tops are most flattering to your bust, and I think the skirt is adorable! Which do you feel most comfortable in? If you feel comfortable, you will be confident and really be the star that you are ;)

Good form in what ever you do is essential! You can do all the exercises you want but you need to activate the glutes. It is not unheard of to do squats, deadlifts, running, etc without activating your glutes, some people just allow their hamstrings, quads, and back to take over. I am seconding Brett Contrares. I just…

Going to have to give it a try.

I enjoy the Kirkland brand fat free plain greek yogurt. I mix it with what ever I am craving, but usually it is Justin's Almond Butter-all the flavors are delicious, or sometimes peanut butter-good to, but not as good as Justin's. That way I am getting my fat from those really good sources, but mostly it just taste good :)

You could just use canned condensed or evaporated milk. I have a potato soup recipe that uses it so I know it works well. You wouldn't have to worry about having excess milk to store and it is pretty cheap.

. [/quote] "Not only is she not an afterthought, but she has reached out to me several times since yesterday in regards to furthering her career. She is in IT and I am helping her look for a position that will advance her career. I don't believe in coincidences. There is a reason my God, who is 1 of a 1,000 I guess,…

Um, you just got added to my inspiration list!!!

Superhero for sure!

WOWZERs!!! That was worth the wait! Amazing!!! [/quote] Ah Gee, thanks!

Not nearly as much boxing as I'd like, I just run out of time. Lifting is my first priority. Thanks!

First time posting, going to give it a shot. Ok, switched photo services, try # 357 ;) Before losing 85 pounds Joined MFP with 40 pounds to lose. First month into lifting weights-Feb 2013 15 pounds to go Feb/March 2014

First time posting, going to give it a shot. Not sure what I'm doing wrong???

OP, you look great! If I looked like you I don't think I'd have a problem wearing a bikini at all! I on the other hand sport all of the mommy stretch marks and stretched skin of years of obesity. This thread helped push me over the edge and I just ordered a one piece bikini and a bikini with some high waisted bottoms. I am…

Thanks for asking this question because it's one I need the answer to as well. I've never worn a bikini and I am going on my first cruise next fall. I really want to wear one, but I want to feel comfortable in it as well. I am modest and a bathing suit is so exposing, no where to hide, but I don't think my chances of…

Based on what I see everyday working in a medical clinic, I'll take my chances with exercise. I'll risk running out of beats a few days sooner for quality of life.

There are always going to be people that opt for quality and look to the end game that may disagree with me, but I buy according to my need and available $$$'s. I bought the cheapo versions at Walmart and they have served me well. I also ordered squat stands online for $80 (I have no room for a whole squat rack but can't…

I managed to hang in there to the last page. I am not the arguing type at all, but I wanted to know if anyone else had suggested my thoughts. I was also very interested in the all the thyroid talk since I am currently "trying out" treatment for hypothyroid with my level at 4.3 which was an increase from past tests. My…

I was diagnosed years ago, started on Metformin and would occasionally try to diet but didn't make much progress and the weight would always return. In 2009, I had all my regular blood work done, and despite having my Metformin doubled all my numbers were still climbing. That was enough to finally scare me into the pathway…

Bump, have to give it a try.

I will admit, I didn't read all the posts on this topic. I do say to each their own. Some people do great with dairy and some people like my son in law can clear a room after they have had some (DON"T give the boy dairy!). I personally enjoy yogurt daily and often have cheese but could care less about drinking milk. That…