Tree72 Member

I'm quite night-blind, so usually require some light. I do much prefer dim lighting though. So if it's dark I'll usually turn on a lamp or two. Can't stand overhead lighting for the most part. Fortunately my office-mate feels the same, so I get to work in a nice dim room with just desk lamps. Also in general I try to…

Hey! I have a cat named Fish too. :laugh: Actually it started off as fishhook for his tiny and extremely sharp claws.

I can definitely understand your pain. I used to be a total sugar addict. Now that I'm following a 40/30/30 macro ratio, I've really had to switch up my foods to stay in that 40% of calories from carbs ratio. Personally I find it more satisfying to increase my vegetables, have a moderate amount of fruit (2 to 3 servings a…

I've noticed the most improvement in my abs since starting heavy lifting. Those nice heavy deadlifts and squats really work your core.

Bumping to follow and see what advice is offered. I'm at a similar place. I'm not vegetarian, but eat relatively clean. I've recently tried switching from a goal of 1lb per week loss to 1/2lb per week loss. So far no significant differences.

At the moment I want to get a really nice blender for making smoothies.

Welcome fellow Austinite. :flowerforyou:

Amazing! You really show that persistence pays off. Congrats on your progress. Your eyes are absolutely sparkling in your current photos, really beautiful. :flowerforyou:

You can definitely rock this bikini! I also like the patterned bottoms better; the bikini shape works better with your figure than the boy-short style.

Number 3 definitely looks the best on you. Four is nice too, but the belt seems a bit off somehow (maybe just how dark it is in contrast to the rest of the dress). The style of number one works well, but not sure I'd go for that pink. Definitely not number two. It's the least flattering and emphasizes your bust in a…

Face and generally the upper body was first, followed by legs. My belly is hanging on for dear life. It's like that with my whole family though; even the ones at a healthy weight have a belly.

What a truly inspirational story. Thanks so much for sharing. You have made some amazing changes in you life, and the results are fabulous. Wishing you all the best as you continue your journey.

I've just finished up phase one and have started to see some changes in body composition and some definite muscle gains in my upper body. I think if I stick with it my squishy belly bits will slowly disappear. My core strength and posture have definitely improved. The entire workout plan is supposed to take about 6 months…

Housekeeper for sure. I love to cook, but am not so fond of cleaning.

Target has reasonable prices for yoga pants/capris, basic sports bras, and workout shirts.

I started about two months ago and am just finishing up stage 1. So far I like it. My weight has remained relatively stable (at the high end of the range I've been in for a while). Unfortunately for me I've gained inches in places I don't want them. I do think that's a temporary thing though. I'm definitely adding muscle,…

I think tattoos on the nape of the neck look amazing. If I worked somewhere less conservative I'd seriously consider one. Maybe some day.

Height: 5'5" Weight: 165 How long youve been lifting: 2 months consistently (Have been doing some body weight and circuit stuff for about a year, but just started regularly lifting heavy in March.) Times per week: 2 or 3 Split routine or full body: full body 1 REP MAX Haven't done an 1RMs, but my sets are: Deadlift: 105 (8…

As soon as you feel physically able, get started. Sounds like you are used to exercising already, so there's no better time than now. :happy:

Depends on your specific concerns. If your biggest concern is calories, I'd stick with the corn or the cornbread. Though "house beans" could also mean a ranch or charro style of bean, in which case go for those. If they are baked beans they will likely have a fair amount of sugar (brown sugar, molasses, ketchup) and could…

Take a deep breath and pause to realize that you are a wonderful person regardless of your size. I can definitely empathize. I started out at 246. It took about 30 pounds for anyone to notice (or at least until they said anything). But then everyone started noticing. And, not to scare you, but it's taken me about 2 years…

Thanks for putting the names to the equipment I've been using. :happy: I wasn't sure what to call them. Apparently I've been doing my squats in a power cage and my deadlifts from a squat rack. To be fair though, the one at my gym seems designed for that purpose. It has a set of hooks on the front (short part) of the rack…

I also recommend yoga. You may need to use some props at first (like the foam blocks and cotton straps) to help you ease into positions. Start off slow and be persistent (practice for a bit most days), and you should see results soon. Also, personally I find that my muscles and joints stretch a bit better if they are…

The best time to workout is definitely when you can get yourself to do it consistently. I had very similar issues to what you described. My personal best time is during my lunch break. The gym is very close to work. I've been going nearly every day for the past two and a half years now. Before finding this time I really…

Thanks so much for sharing this. I truly believe that more people need to take the time to do this. So many of us have spent years hating our bodies. One of the hardest parts of my journey to better health has definitely been the mental aspect. Part of that has been learning to love my body. Some days it's harder than…

I used to donate on a regular basis. But then they got all crazy about Mad Cow Disease. Now anyone that lived in certain parts of Europe during much of the 80s or early 90s is indefinitely ineligible. :frown: I really hope they get the test perfected soon so that I and many of my friends who are vets (or were dependents,…

I have a rock, a bit smaller than the palm of my hand, that's carved into the shape of a rat. I got it when I was on a business trip to Taipei (when I worked for a different company). I chose it because I was born in a year of the rat.

I just make a simple German-style vinaigrette (like goes on cucumber salads). My standard (lower fat and sugar than the original) recipe is: 1 Tbsp. oil 2 Tbsp. sugar 3 Tbsp. vinegar To vary the flavor I sometimes change what oil or vinegar I'm using. I once did an Asian variation with rice vinegar, peanut oil, brown…

I don't always measure exactly, but I definitely log them. I like seeing the servings of veggies and fiber adding up.

Thanks for the link. It's a slightly different variation to any categorizing system I've seen before. I got 45% android 38% lymphatic.... wonder what happened to the other 17%? From the descriptions, android is definitely the closest match. I have very broad shoulders and a huge rib cage. But I also have fairly broad hips…