Tree72 Member

Doing exercises that focus on the triceps and biceps definitely help. The one that has made the most difference for my arms is the overhead extension. To do it I use one of the cable machines at the gym with the arm set up high and the split cable to grip. Stand facing away from the machine and lunge forward. The relaxed…

The mental struggle and journey is much harder than the physical one. Only you can find your source of motivation and have that daily determination to change. What are you afraid of? Are you really afraid of failing? Or are you afraid of succeeding? Spend some time thinking about why you really want to change and what it…

I've had to buy a few new pieces several times along the way. I'm saving the total wardrobe overhaul until I reach my goal weight. But there comes a point when things will literally fall off if you move the wrong way... So I've gone for inexpensive skirts, sweaters, and a pair of jeans from Old Navy and the Eddie Bauer…

I work out during my lunch break, so definitely have to shower before I head back to work. If I go to the gym on the weekend or after work I'll usually go home. I hate washing my hair at the gym, so usually do that at home in the evenings.

Yay! Had a lot of fun with this last year. I'll definitely be looking for a team.

I've never had any problems losing weight due to eating at different times. My usual supper time is around 8 to 9 pm, and I often have a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of milk within an hour of going to bed.

I can definitely tell a difference in my skin since I started working out and eating healthier. I also stay much better hydrated than previously. All have contributed to having fewer blemishes, less inflammation, and generally healthier-looking skin.

It did take me two or three weeks of adjusting to exercising more and eating less crap. During that time I was very tired and slept a lot. But ever since then I feel so much better. I have much, much more energy than when I was heavier (and more sedentary). Now I look for excuses to get in more physical activity rather…

So sorry to hear that you had such a bad experience. Fortunately my gynecologist is a totally amazing doctor. I really wish many more doctors could be like her. Even when I was at my heaviest (246) she always treated me with respect, listened to what I had to say, and didn't blame issues I was having on my weight. When I…

I never had much to begin with, but definitely have even less now. I do some weight training, but am planning to do even more after I lose this last 15 to 20 pounds that I want gone. (15 pounds from "healthy" BMI now.) I really want to add some muscles to my chest so that you can't see my rib bones. (I find it unattractive…

The first reason is for my health. My blood pressure was starting to be affected by my sedentary lifestyle and excess weight. That's what got me started. Now that I've come this far, I want to go farther. I feel so much better and have so much more energy. I just want to do more in life. So I want to continue getting in…

For intense cardio, be sure your body has enough energy to get you through the workout. I find it works well to have a meal or snack in the one to two hours before working out time. I would recommend having something with a decent amount of carbs, maybe a banana and some peanut butter, a sandwich, or a piece of fruit and…

I'd second the recommendation to see a doctor if you haven't. A good friend of mine just found out that it's a foot deformity that has been causing her pain for years. (She's 49 now.) You'd never know by looking. Her second metatarsal bone is too long and causing too much pressure to be put on the wrong places on her feet.…

Amazing! Thanks so much for sharing your inspirational story and pictures. You've come such a long way and look so happy. Best wishes for continued success and seeing that one next year. :drinker:

Raw celery unless it's chopped really fine; it's definitely a texture issue, not flavor. Oysters, just awful flavor, so strong. And I really don't like the taste, or really the texture either, of blood. (Had congealed pig's blood chopped into cubes at a hot pot restaurant when I was visiting China.)

Six packs are very nice, but I'm not willing to go that low of a body fat percentage personally. I hope to end up with around 18 to 20% body fat, which is a long, long way from 6-pack abs. But if you have the dedication, I say go for it. :happy:

Thank you so very much for sharing your story and pictures with us. They are informative and inspirational. With your determination I am sure you will achieve all your goals and more.:flowerforyou:

I'm currently fluctuating right around 165, and I'm 5'5". I'd like to be around 145, I think. Really what I want is to be right about 20% body fat and fitting into a size 10 or so in jeans. I definitely still have significant amounts of tummy to lose. Never had much of any boobs, but have discovered I have nice hips as…

It really depends on your particular needs. For a long time my breakfasts averaged around 250 calories. That's not enough for me anymore. I'm starving by 10am if I eat less than my now typical 350 to 400. I also try to keep my macros pretty well balanced and include protein, fats, and carbs in my breakfast; I stay full…

Fat helps in the absorption of calcium. So there's definitely some debate that skim milk is less healthy in that respect. But 2% would be fine for those purposes, no need to have all the fat in whole milk if it doesn't fit into your calories and macros easily. And regular skim milk should be just plain milk with the fat…

I like lots of different veggie combinations. Mushrooms and onions are my most common ingredients. But I also like zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, spinach,and broccoli. I also frequently add 1/2 to 1 ounce of some variety of cheese, cheddar, jack, and feta are the ones I most often use. Sometimes I'll top it with…

Oh, so many options... given the time of year I'd have to say back in Bavaria at a Christkindlesmarkt. So much fun shopping and enjoying tasty seasonal treats in the cold, crisp air. For something I could actually achieve today, cuddled up in bed with a good book wearing warm, fuzzy socks.

I don't like the taste of blood, so a true medium usually works well for me. (Still pink and juicy, but lacking that metallic blood taste.)

My favorite thing to eat with my cottage cheese is tomatoes. Diced cucumbers can be ok too. And it's definitely tasty on top of a salad instead of dressing.

There have been many studies that show exercise is at least as good at improving mood as most anti-depressant medications in many people. Exercise definitely makes a huge difference in my mood and general outlook on life. I plan to exercise most days even when I reach my goal weight and fitness level. It just makes life…

This sounds exciting. If there's any room left, I'd love to join too.

I always assume it's the at a friend's house or restaurant situation when you just don't know what all is in the food you are eating.

I think I'll end up in a size 10. I'm currently mostly in 12s and have about 15 to 20 more pounds to reach my goal weight. I'm aiming for 145 (which at 5'5" is only 5 pounds less than my highest "healthy" BMI). There's a small chance I could end up in size 8 jeans (given the vanity sizing these days). I'd be ecstatic if I…

Congratulations! That's one fantastic NSV. :flowerforyou:

I love adding them to my omlettes or scrambled eggs. Just add some diced broccoli, cauliflower, squash, onions, peppers, or some combination thereof to your pan and let it cook a bit before adding the eggs. Also, have you tried roasting your veggies? Just add a spritz of olive oil, some garlic if you like it, and a…