gensteele1 Member

So you're saying that a handful of M&Ms here and there won't eliminate my goal of a visibly enviable stomach? I eat clean (no processed/fast foods) about 90% of the time right now (M&Ms makes up the 10%) and lift heavy 6 days a week and HIIT for 60 min one day a week. I have shed a lot of pounds and my muscle is…

I've read that by lifting (even if its only 3 days per week) not only burns more "calories" than standard cardio, but you continue to burn up to 48 hours after a lifting session. Most lifters feel that the burn and the results from training far exceed the monotony of cardio. To each his (or her) own.

Thanks guys! Yes, I do the kickbacks and the stairclimber. I agree that it has "helped" but I don't know that its bouncing (for lack of a better word) back like I thought it would. Oh and I've done kickbacks weighted and even started using the smith machine which burns like a mother lol!

Our annual allotment is 5 boxes (4 of my choices and one for the hubby). My favs are the Thins and Samoas. Here's the thing...as long as they don't make it into the freezer, I'm safe. I only eat them super cold. They are in the cabinet right now safe from my tummy. I'm 33 days clean eating (no processed foods, candies,…

I was at 1500 daily intake for a while, but I decided I wanted the ultimate challenge and have ABS myself. I had a little boy 2 years ago and this "mommy tummy" sucks! While it has gotten much flatter, I do not like its tone. For the past 2 weeks I have cut out processed food and sugars and eating "clean". I feel better…

Wow, what a tremendous reminder as to why I started my journey! I have made great strides in heavy lifting, but I always wondered if my diet was slowing me down. Looks like I am not eating ENOUGH. I am going to re-evaluate my macros once I have read your blog. I'm thinking 1500 calories (most days) plus 6 days a week of…

I think we can all agree that when the time comes, consulting a doctor is definitely the right way to go, but I think she was looking on personal experiences, maybe even as another form of motivation to keep healthy for you AND baby! Thanks everyone..and that crossfit picture is disturbing on so many levels.:noway:

I would love to hear the feedback on this post. We will most likely begin trying for #2 by February and while I'm smaller than pre-pregnancy, I want to maintain and keep up the lifestyle I have created. I made so many bad choices the first time around and want to do things smarter.

Oh its definitely a compliment that they are trying to give, but it is a pressure-filled one to me as well. Now, its like "what's wrong with me". The m&ms are at work and I keep telling them to stop buying them but they won't listen. I have had no trouble until this last month; a couple here and there and now I go for…

The stomach is the worst. I'm 5'9 and 150lb and I have the dreaded "mommy tummy". The loose skin drives me crazy but I continue to train hard (weigh training and working at a calorie deficit). Sometimes there isn't enough to be done, but all you can do is keep trying. I can feel the muscle under the skin so its working,…

I lift heavy and have gained muscle, lost fat and am not bulky at all. I love the results. Unless you are taking supplements in addition to a multivitamin, you will not bulk naturally. To the women who are gaining weight and/or muscle, you're diet is where the problem lies. I have been told (and read several times) to lose…

I've been heaving lifting for about 5 months now and my body has made tremendous strides. THe slowest part has been my backside. While its no longer wide, its flatter than the day is LONG! I do squats, lunges, deadlifts, you name it and its such a struggle. Whatever you are doing, stick with it and give it time.

Love the outfit and you look AMA-ZING!!!!! You should feel confident without a doubt!

Everyone is amazing! For those who are new to lifting, just remember this: It takes 4 weeks for you to see a difference; 8 weeks for friends and family; and 12 weeks for the rest of the world to notice. Don't give up and keep up the good work!

It may not be that you need to take a break, but that you need to increase your intake. As we continue to train harder, our metabolism burns faster (especially if you weight train). A lot of the time, when weight loss is stagnant (don't forget to check your inches), it is because our bodies are starving and are eating…

I too used to believe cardio was the end all and while I would do a bit of lifting, I was no where near the level of burning that I should have been. I have been lifting heavy for about 3 mos and the results are crazy. I have lost weight slowly but the visual effects are drastic and fantastic. I usually work out 5-6 days…

A lot of people do better on low carb diets. I think it has to do with the way some bodies break them down. My mother lived by the atkins diet (lost over 100lbs). She always tried the fruits, veggies, wheat options and always seemed to either stall or gain weight. I on the other hand, need my carbs; not a lot just a…

I'm 5'9 and the benefits of being tall have always been on my side (forever hearing "you don't look that big"). I have lost about 18lbs on MFP since May and I'm loving it. Plus through in some heavy lifting and its a party. I'm at my lowest weight (and highest strength) including wedding weight. I'm about 7lbs from my…

You are a beast...in only the best way possible. You are shorter than me, but I would love to reach ur goal VERY soon! Keep it up and I just may add you as well.

It is without a doubt the best way to start the day. I'm in a good mood and ready to tackle everything head on. You put out your workout clothes before bed; shoes by your bed. That way, you don't have to work that hard to get moving and out of the house (or if you workout at home, maybe moving more is better). All I know…

It is very interesting. As a woman, I never realized the jealous/envy factor until I started my weight journey. I have lost about 18lbs mainly from heavy lifting. Its been a wonderful journey so far and I can't believe all of the things by body has shown me. What I have seen is that most of the men at the gym are quick to…

Fantastic. You give the tall girls something to aspire too. At 5'9, I'm just about at goal weight. However, loving my new lifestyle of heaving lifting and know that its helping me "tighten" up. P.S. You stomach is enviable!

I've asked my husband the same thing. I met my initial goal (wedding weight), but yearn for more. I'm weight training and seeing results, but when does it stop. I know that this new lifestyle is permanent for me, but will I ever be accepting of where I am? If you have been overweight for most of your life, you will always…

When you are squatting, think of it like sitting in a chair; never let your knees pass your toes. You will find it very awkward at first especially since it is a motion that your body does not perform often. You may also notice that you barely "squat". Take note, however, that in time, your body will adapt, become stronger…

Wow! Congrats on the success. I am finally reaching that stage myself. People keep asking me how much more weight I want to lose and I say I don't know. Its about how I look and not the number. I'm weight training like a BOSS and the inches (not really lbs) are just melting off and its crazy how invigorated I feel. keep it…

I am totally experiencing the irregularity thing. Even on the pill and I've been spotting for 3 weeks! Doctor says the hormones are just out of whack and prescribed me a new pill to start so that they will level out. It is a pain having to deal with this small matter, but hey, I have an almost 18mo old and know a new baby…

I'm Interested. The more help, the better.

I do both; heavier on the weight lifting side (1hr lift and about 20 min vigorous cardio). Its all about balance. Cardio is great for areas that are hard to burn fat...belly fat (which is also affected by diet). Weight training will burn more than any cardio session. Also, unless you begin to take supplements or similar…

I know exactly what you mean. What I found most helpful, was cutting back on cardio and increasing my weight training. I have pushed my limits and have seen amazing results. I have a ways to go, but a man at the gym this morning told me "you are making a lot of progress in just a couple of weeks". Granted I have been…

I like many and a working mom to an 18month old and the best time to workout for me has been when the doors open at the gym, 5AM! He is still sleeping and I am content knowing that I can focus on "me" time because he is not missing me, or that I am neglecting any of life's other chores...other than sleeping. Besides, a…