kwardklinck Member

It does take time. I have some loose skin from my pregnancies on my belly. When I lost the extra weight, it seemed more loose. I am now doing strength training and using a skin firming lotion on my belly. It's not perfect but it's getting better.

Yep water retention happens when we eat foods full of sodium. I'm usually up 2-3 pounds after one restaurant meal (even if it's on the healthy choice menu) because they put about 3 times the sodium in their food as what you'd get in a home cooked meal. If I'm retaining water, I increase my water the next day and put a…

That's cool! As long as you're challenging yourself several times per week, I don't see a problem with you continuing to do the Zumba. I love it too and do it because it's fun. I add other classes or workouts to challenge myself.

Nah she's full of it. She's probably just wanting some attention for her new look but yeah Facebook is better than Match.com for chatting with people because you're bored.

I would say only eat before exercising if you're hungry. Otherwise, do your workout, take your shower, then eat your breakfast. When I ran, I would do it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. I would get stomach cramps if I had too much in my belly so this worked for me. Just do what works for you. Don't worry…

I have the Bootcamp one. I probably burn close to 400 calories with a 50 minute dvd. I like it because it incorporates cardio with weights. I'm burning calories and toning up my body at the same time.

I think it comes down to people wanting to lose weight but not wanting to put the effort into it, or they get discouraged and quit because they don't lose 10 pounds in a week. I've had many teachers at my school ask how I lost my weight but they don't do it. I guess it's easier to think that some people have a higher…

Don't worry it evens out. I lost mine too. Then my weight redistributed and they came back. Try doing some strengthening for your chest muscles. It makes those girls stand out a little better.

I would say it's the exercise. I keep doing more and more of it. My body craves it. I can see the difference in my figure after just a few weeks of weight training.

The Firm "Bootcamp for Maximum Calorie Burn". I couldn't do it when I was new to exercise because it made me awfully sore. Now I do it twice a week and love what it's done to my shape.

I also want tone but I still want a woman's shape. I only do light weights with many repetitions. I will gradually increase the weight as I get stronger. I don't think a woman can really build muscle like a man, especially if she's eating a limited number of calories.

Might not be fair to chat up people who are looking for a relationship if you aren't looking for one. I understand you wanted to show off your new self but you could be opening yourself up to temptation. How would your gf feel if she knew you were on the site? How would you feel if she were on the site? I don't think I'd…

I look at the Bagel/Nutella combo as something healthier than a donut. Not all calories are created equal.

Try half a bagel with Nutella. Yummy!

That last few pounds is really hard to take off. I switched my weight loss goal from lose one pound a week to lose half a pound a week. It's slowly coming off. Keep track of your inches. It really helps. I know I'm building muscle because I can see the definition in my abs, legs, and arms. I've lost about 5 inches in my…

Try eating between 100 and 200 calories more per day. I know it sounds crazy but it works.

I've done it too. The cold weather and being stuck in the house has caused me to go for the comfort food. Today, I really don't feel very well and I'm going to do something about it. We are emotional eaters and we have to deal with it. Do not give up completely and do not beat yourself up over it. I'm planning to drink a…

I had the same problem with my dad. In his family, food = love. He would give my daughter a cereal bowl full of oreos even if she didn't eat her dinner. My dad is now diabetic. My daughter still likes her sweets but she doesn't indulge in them often. I don't know what to tell you. People are going to do what they do. You…

How much above? If it's only a little bit, you should still lose. You just won't lose at the desired rate.

I love Aldi. You can buy fresh produce there for pretty cheap. I eat much healthier on a limited budget by going there.

Great article! Thank you for sharing.

Weight loss isn't consistent. You may lose nothing this week and lose 4 pounds next week. Just keep your sodium low and drink all of your water. You also might try taking a break from exercise the day before your weigh in. When my mom was in Weight Watchers, they told her to not exercise the day before a weigh in because…

You are gorgeous and you look so young!

Yeah. I have a friend at work who began her journey when I did last year. She was eating about 1000 calories a day and not exercising that much. A year later, she's gained back all the weight plus some and I'm still within 3 pounds of where I was when I finished. The other thing to mention is that you can't "go on a diet"…

It looks like you're way under on calories most days. Also you might want to add sodium to your things to keep track of. If I stay around the recommended 2500 and drink lots of water, I don't have as many ups and downs. Try to balance your meals. Get your recommended 3-5 servings of fruits and vegetables. You might also…

Exercise can cause you to hold water in your muscles. Take a day off walking and drink lots of water. Then try your weigh in again.

5 pounds a month is definitely doable. You need to exercise though. Try to get some kind of activity in at least 3 times per week.

Hugh Jackman. I like the Australian men!

Great job!

This is a great idea for people who are just starting or who are "stuck". I'm getting so close now, I think I will continue weighing. :)