aekriebs

I think a big smile goes a long way. Those men just aren't expecting that feminine charm in the weight room and it really knocks em off their feet. :) I also find in almost all situations that it's how you phrase your question/statement that matters. Instead of "I was using that," try "Do you mind if I just finish my last…

So glad I'm not alone! @Samntha14 - thanks for the idea substitute. I was wondering why the exercises father along looked easier than the current ones - it never occurred to me to swap them out and see if I got different results! @Manic - Thanks for the video! I will have to check it out!

New here . . . just started NROL on Monday. I'm Abbie. I'm short but solid - 5'1" & 123 lbs. Hoping to slim down in the thigh/bum/hip area, mostly. I've been lifting heavy-ish for about a month, at the urging on my little brother who is in his fourth year of an exercise science/nutrition degree. He was kind enough to drive…

Since I JUST started Stage 1 Monday, I am nowhere near to doing an AMRAP yet. However, while reading the book I definitely got the feeling that the AMRAPs are more for the mental aspect of the program than anything - apparently by lifting the same weights you began with you will see how much easier it is after six weeks of…

Awesomme, Anne! You should be very proud at what you have accomplished and what an example you are to the rest of us!

This was well put. Also, keep in mind that sleep is an ESSENTIAL part of weight loss and a healthy life. If you aren't sleeping well, you are functioning at a high enough level to lose - give it a week and try to get some good shut eye and drink plenty of water. You are doing an awesome job so far - keep it up!!!

Yes!!! :)

Tevas make some awesome water shoes. REI carries them, as well as Cabella's if you want to try before you buy online. Also, check out Farm & Fleet if you can . . . I remember that is where we got all of our water shoes as kids.

I'm not there yet, but I know you can set your "goals" to maintenance mode and it will adjust your calories and ratios to maintain what you currently are. Try and that and see how it works!

I LOVE Bob's Red Mill Steel Cut Oats. A serving size is 1/4 c. dry. When I make it, I use 1/2 c. dry oats, 1.5 c water, and a dash of salt. Bring the water to a boil first, add the oats, simmer for about 20 minutes and then enjoy! I like a little cream and sugar, or they are awesome with a small scoop of low fat ice cream…

Congrats, Tammy! Those are all great achievements!

M&M's would be a much harder step for me! Way to go!

^ ^ ^ What she said. :)

Friend request already sent! Welcome to the site!

What a difference! You look amazing and that cut/color is beautiful on you! Great job on your hard work - now you can celebrate more than just a wedding on June 25th - you can celebrate you, too!

I realize that not all bagels are created equal: so I bought mini whole wheat ones with as low of sugar as I could find, so all in all they aren't too bad (and keep me from tucking into the donuts!), and then I pair them with a good amount of protein like yogurt in the morning. It's a compromise, and they are handy for…

I don't see why not! It's worth a shot . . . and the almond milk would probably give it some awesome flavor. I did have someone tell me to add a teaspoon of vanilla with the sugar, I think I might try that next time. I did cut way back on the sugar when I made this for myself.

It's a good possibility that if you are female and trying to lose weight, the carb/fat/protein ratios that MFP has set for you are a little off. You probably need to be eating MORE protein that what your diary says. I'm 5'1" and 125lbs. and I am supposed to eat a minimum of 67 grams per day, when I exercise it is even…

Disclaimer: I am no fitness pro. On the other hand, I gained all of my 15-20 lbs (at 5'1" that's a big deal, as you know) because I was a student, so I know exactly where you are coming from. What do you have your activity level set at? Since I am a student, I set mine to sedentary since I sit on my bum all day, and then I…

After looking at your diary, my response is that you need to eat more of your calories and you need to spread those calories out. Your body NEEDS those calories to continue to function, and when you deprive yourself, your body decides to not let go of anything that it does not have to. My suggestion: Your breakfast looks…

I am actually going paintballing this weekend and am curious as to how to log that as exercise??? Should I just guess how much time I spend running/hiking and log it as that?

Old standby: Bob's Red Mill Steel Cut Oats with 1/8 c. low fat vanilla ice cream on top, or a little cream and sugar + piece of fruit or yogurt. New fave: Breakfast taco made with 1 tortilla (whole grain if possible), 1 whole egg, 1/4 c. black beans (low sodium), 1 Tbs. shredded cheddar cheese, and 2 Tbs. salsa. Paired…

Ditto! BUMP!

Like everyone says: portions are the important thing. It's also what you pair it with: instead of only pizza (or - GASP! - pizza AND cheesy bread), add a large side salad with a lower fat dressing or some steamed veggies. Eat a serving of either of these BEFORE you dig into the pizza and you will need to eat less slices in…

Make sure that your carb/fat/protein ratios are where they should be now that you are getting closer to your goal. I only have about 10 lbs to lose, and my personal trainer/exercise nut brother told me to make sure my ratio was 50/20/30. Good luck!

[quote\] I'm married, and went on a MNO (mom night out) with a fellow mom-friend, and it was amazing the amount of men that try to talk to me now, & of all different nationalities, that would have never done so before when I was huge. I even called out this white guy on it, I said "I guarantee you would have never came up…

Juliebean_1027 is right: it is all relative. Great to see you are already enjoying this site! People are wonderful and encouraging! This is the first sight I log on to every morning and the last one I leave at night. I will send you a friend request - exercise and diet are always better with accountability!

I used to believe that I was simply too young to diet. 22-23 year olds don't need to lose weight, just be more active. Wrong. I definitely needed a nutritional overhaul.

Hi! I stumbled on this great (FREE!) website because of another topic that I read: bodyrock.tv It has daily workouts uploaded in video and still photo format, plus food and stretching tips. Each workout is different so you never get bored, and if you don't feel like they are enough (which they always are), you can repeat…

Like everyone else on here said: Oatmeal! Don't buy the sugary microwaveable packets either. Choose a slow cook whole-oat (like Bob's Red Mill Steel Cut Oats: http://www.bobsredmill.com/steel-cut-oats.html -they also come in Gluten Free) and add your own sweetener like fruit or raw sugar. I like a little half & half or…