benitocereno Member

I used the "big-bone" excuse for a long time myself. It is true that people do come in all shapes and sizes, and some people have it easier than others, but I honestly believe 99% of the time it is a convenient excuse to stay at a weight you've become accustomed to. It's true that some people will never wear petite…

Hubbahubba, love the sleeve :). You look fantastic, congrats!

No worries, it's extremely doubtful you gained a few pounds from one bad weekend :tongue:. Gaining even a single pound of actual fat is challenging in two days. Think of it this way - you'd have to eat 3500 calories in addition to your maintenance level... that means everything you eat day-to-day PLUS something like (for…

You look great, but I couldn't help but notice the Rolands in the back before anything else :love: Are you the drummer? It's great exercise!

I'm not sure what's in recovery drinks since I don't do these programs, but it's most likely some form of whey protein. The purpose of protein after workouts is to help rebuild and preserve muscle tissue, which in turn helps you lose weight since muscles burn calories. Casein is great for overnight use, but if you have the…

Sounds like any weight your family managed to lose was from their brains. You've done an awesome job and look great. In a way I feel sorry for people like them who can't manage to be happy for others, imagine how miserable they must be in their own lives to have the need to project it onto others. And in the end, if they…

I understand your frustration, but maybe you should think about it in a new light. When you look at it as "quitting" you're already losing, because that is you telling yourself you're doing something "out of the ordinary" or hard. What you're doing isn't "out of the ordinary," it's your new "ordinary." As long as it's…

Powder is fine - just buy it from a reputable company (like Optimum Nutrition, my favorite!). If the company has recalls on its products, avoid them. The good-old slogan applies: "If it's too good to be true, it probably is." This is especially true for "bargain" protein powder that you see at Wal-Mart, Sams Club, etc.

For weight-loss it doesn't really matter (see carb vs no-carb diets- the both work, it's all about net calories), but it does matter for body composition and satiety (how hungry you feel). It will also affect things like your cholesterol and general well-being. Eating that cheeseburger for 800 calories is going to leave…

This article was posted a few days ago, you can see responses in this thread: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/183765-starvation-mode-myth

Well, if you want an honest opinion (going by your pics in profile): I think you'd be better served by staying at your current weight and lifting weights to build muscle / definition. Once you pick up intensity this would probably involve actually increasing your calories a bit. Your weight is just an arbitrary number. If…

Completely agree. I just wish people would realize, especially with a tool like this, that you don't need to eat "diet" food to "diet!" If you can't reach your calories with all the low-fat stuff you're eating just swap some of the food around, that's the beauty of this tool :smile:. You don't have to eat more to get more…

Awesome info as always SHBoss. I'll never understand why people struggle with eating 1200-1500 calories a day, short of having an eating disorder. If you are currently overweight, obese, etc, you have had no problem eating well past that amount in the past - nothing has changed. Diet is about moderation, not a knee-jerk…

Lol, I need to use a pillow too when I do situps. Maybe try getting one a bit more firm? Besides that, I'd do planks as suggested.

The burden of proof with those trying to disprove well documented facts lies on those who question it, so, by all means, prove us all wrong with some studies. I'm not going to post the stuff that's already all over these boards again. Also, it's not impossible to gain muscle while losing fat. It's only impossible to do so…

You are going to kick that weight's butt with the muscle you're putting on now, that's what it's all about!! :smile: The world needs more women not afraid to pick up the iron, I can't wait to see how your journey ends up with your attitude. Ps. Sent you a friend request but forgot a message :drinker:

You are. Proponents of "starvation mode doesn't exist" refuse to believe their metabolism slows at all, or that they're doing anything wrong. Because hey, "I'm losing weight!." Venuto's point is that your body doesn't completely shut down, which makes logical sense. If you stop eating you whither away and die - you don't…

Forgive my bluntness, but hahahaha. Really? This is a sham article with no science to support it, designed to sell Weight Watchers. How can you tell? This article seems like that was written by Dr. Spaceman from 30 Rock. In fact, almost every argument I see for "starvation doesn't exist!!!" does. Here, enjoy:…

Your problem is likely related to your stress and possibly depression, a councilor or some sort of friendly ear may not be a bad thing. It's entirely possibly that you're projecting hurt onto the people who are complimenting you. That said, there's nothing wrong with wanting to get more fit or change your appearance (even…

I can relate, but you're not allowed to diet to look better and be healthier and then get upset when someone notices... that's part of the point :wink: Remember that most people know how hard it is and they say something because they respect and are proud of you. It's something you should be proud of, not ashamed of. You…

You're likely not eating enough or hydrated enough, pretty simple. Try a small snack about an hour before you work out (banana or fruit + some nuts, for example), then get something high-protein for immediately after (a whey shake is fine, or anything else easy). That will take about 300 extra calories, but it seems like…

I just looked at today, but it really doesn't look bad. You don't necessarily need to eat more, just different :smile: You could do things like sub out your low-calorie bread for normal bread and you'd be at your goal. You can also use normal or reduced fat mayo instead of fat-free, or do something like use a…

Yes, you should be eating more :smile:. 1200 calories is your net for the day, if you're doing 1000 calories burned a day, you should be eating 2200 calories (on the days you work out, of course!). You shouldn't be forcing yourself to eat either, that's a sign that you're either eating too little or have imposed…

If you want to burn fat you should do HIIT (high-intensity-interval-training), if you are physically able to. It is the best way to maximize your time if you're limited. Outside of that, running and walking burn about the same amount of calories (for distance, not time... this doesn't mean 30 minutes running is equal to 30…

I prefer working out at home, but some people do better in gyms if they need the motivation. It all depends on you and your willpower, home can be a very distracting place :smile: The only thing I miss about being at home is there's no way I can do deadlifts or proper squats here! You can do dumbbell modified versions, but…

Sushi is definitely one of the better choices you can make when you out for a night on the town. Overall not super calorie dense either. If you need to avoid something look for sauces that contain mayo or excess cream cheese, fried stuff, etc. That said, almost any sushi roll is going to be lower than other "going out"…

That is especially good advice and shows he knows what he's talking about :smile:. Were he talking to a man I imagine he'd say to focus on upper body, but females really have an edge with lower body building. Congrats on all your progress!

Many modern-day people are obese because of processed, calorie dense foods. That's why obesity is actually a socioeconomic problem. Compare a 1000 calorie microwave dinner to 1000 calories of natural meat and stuff that grew out of the ground. I'm guessing one is going to lead to overeating and having you want more... Look…

You didn't specify height so it may be an issue, but I'm guessing not. In any case, ^^^^ +1.

Yep, it's most likely your breathing :smile:. I've had the same thing on occasion, as does my wife when we run together. After some experience and focusing on your breathing it should mostly go away. If it hurts when you're running slow down, go into a walk, focus on your breathing rhythm, then try again. Good luck :smile:…