lizard23

I don't know, but I was there when they did it and that's how much it was. I lost 4.25 inches back in July when I first started, but no weight, so I don't think the 2 are that closely related (or muscle mass interferes with the numbers?) I know after they measure one arm and one thigh, they double the loss there, so maybe that's why it's so high.

Hey there everybody! Last time I posted here, I was really frustrated with my lack of weight loss even though I thought I was working hard and eating right. After taking some of your advice and stepping up my workouts and going on the South Beach Diet - I have really made some great progress! In one month, I have lost 8.5 pounds and 11.25 inches! I totally reshaped the way I eat (and alcohol is almost a nonexistent part of my life now) and even though exercising is not my most favorite thing to do, it's a part of my every day routine and I feel bad if I miss a workout (which is rare, but I'm getting married next month, so sometimes wedding plans take over my daily routine). I'm still not where I want to be, but I am getting there and making progress like this keeps me motivated and patient, LOL. So thanks again for all the helpful advice, encouragement and pushes in the right direction. I'll be back in touch when I reach my ultimate goal (which hopefully won't be too far away).

I mentioned oatmeal b/c I have been eating instant packets which are higher up on the glycemic index than rolled oats. South Beach is a program that was developed by a cardiologist to improve heart health vs. using medication and it turned out as a bonus that you can really shed pounds with it (according to the book). It has 3 phases, the first is the strict phase which forbids carbs, sugar and alcohol for 2 weeks (and this is where you're suppossed to see the most results, 8-12 pounds lost). The second phase, you add carbs and fruit back in, but only healthy ones like sweet potatoes, brown rice (no bread) and fruits that are low in sugar (like apples vs. bananas and not every day). The third phase is just when you get to a comfortable point and know what you can and cannot eat w/o consulting the book. Basically, it's a high protein, vegetable and low-non fat dairy regimen that cleanses your body of bad carbs and sugars. It also has guidelines concerning alcohol and recommends only drinking red wine if you must indulge b/c it has the least sugar. The book has a nice glycemic index broken down by food group that is helpful plus meal plans and recipes. I highly recommend reading it (even though it sounds like you already know all of this), I found it very informative and helpful and it explains why the diet you recommended to me yesterday is good and works to burn fat. I couldn't put it down last night and can't wait to start it!

Hey there! I grabbed a copy of the South Beach Diet book on my way home from work last night since from what I've heard, it's similar to the diet you recommended for me. WOW!! I really got into reading about what carbs and sugars to do your body and was so shocked to find out that everything I thought was so healthy (fruit, oatmeal, etc.) and well balanced is really not that great for me. So, I'll be back in about 2 weeks after the strict phase (no carbs, sugar or alcohol) and let you know if I'm doing better and seeing more results. Thanks again for your advice and support! Talk to you soon! Elisabeth

I really am and will continue to put in more effort with your advice. Thank you again and I'll keep you posted on my results!

I have the glass of milk at night b/c I'm am starving to the point of feeling ill and feel bad eating anything so I figure nonfat dairy will coat my stomach enough that I can fall asleep. So I should cut out fruits and add more veggies and protein into my diet? Carbs are ok as long as they are whole grain and not at night? So maybe breakfast can be a one egg veggie omlette; morning snack yogurt; lunch protein with veggies; afternoon snack another yogurt? and dinner is fine like I have it (protein and veggies). I've also been told that I should look into carb control yogurt b/c there is a lot of sugar in regular, will that help too or should I be eating more veggies than dairy? I've also decided that alcohol has to be completely cut out of my diet, beer is the worst thing you can drink and I really think I'll see results if I cut it out. Please keep the input coming (in a nice way, LOL), I'm really benefiting from it and appreciate it - thank you!

Here is my typical diet (I don't eat whatever I want and I watch portions): Breakfast = a hardboiled egg and a slice of whole grain toast with a tsp. of jam OR a packet of oatmeal made with skim milk and topped with a handful of strawberries and blueberries Morning Snack = a banana Lunch = half a sandwich (1 slice of wholegrain bread) with turkey or ham, half a slice of swiss, lettuce with mustard or light mayo; veggies (carrots, cucumbers, celery, etc., around 4 each) and fat free veggie dip Afternoon Snack = a piece of fruit and a Yoplait yogurt Dinner = a deck of cards sized portion of meat (usually chicken or fish) and a vegetable Dessert/Evening Snack = a glass of skim milk I also drink plenty of water all day long. It's been suggested that my lack of food variety or that I may not be eating enough is one of my problems. What do you suggest as far as amping up the exercise routine? Working out longer and more days/week? If I were to join a gym, what do you suggest I need to do every day to see results?

Well, I joined Curves b/c I need a more structured program. I cannot just walk into a gym and know what to do and stick with it, I need something that's laid out for me. Curves combines cardio and weight training and they reccommend that you do 2 times around the room 3 times a week and I do 3 times around the room 4 times a week and yes, there are old ladies there who pretty much walk in place and don't do anything physical, but I jog in place and do as many reps as I can at each station and work up quite a sweat doing so. Then I come home and speedwalk my dog a mile. I've never been a fan of working out and felt like a less intimidating place would be better for me and this is the longest I've stuck with working out and stayed motivated. I am 5"2, weigh 145 and will be 25 in September. I eat very well - fresh fruits and vegetables, mostly chicken and fish, lots of low-non fat dairy and I only eat carbs in the morning and afternoon and they are all whole grain as opposed to whites. I stick to both a low calorie and a low fat diet and I eat 3 meals, plus 2 hearty snacks a day. I cut back drinking from about 3-4 nights a week to just one and I only drink beer. Since my wedding is so close, I'm thinking of cutting it out completely b/c I know I will see results if I do. Yoga is more for relaxation purposes and I know that's not a way to lose weight, but combined with everything else I'm doing, I thought it might do a little something (like build more muscle). I'm not asking for any miracles here, I really feel like I am doing what I am supposed to by eating healthy and working out regularly so that I can lose weight the healthy way. I know that I am working hard and I have nothing to show for it, so what gives? Is there anything supplement wise that I could add to my routine that might help (like TrimSpa or something like that)? I know you guys are all hard core into working out, which is great, but you have to understand that this is the first time I've been active in my life, so a little credit for actually getting off my ass and doing something would be appreciated (and I have lost 4+ inches). I was under 100 pounds until my sophmore year of college (how typical) and was just blessed that I didn't have to work out to stay that small and my parents have always eaten a great diet, so I learned that from them (except freshman year when I went apeshit on poptarts and McDonald's and drinking), so I've made some mistakes that I really need to rectify and I'll stop rambling now and let you guys add your input.

I have been working out at Curves for 30 minutes a day 4 times a week and taking an intense hot yoga class for an hour and a half once a week. I have always eaten very well (since I gained weight from not eating well in college) and am trying to cut back on alcohol (not always the easiest thing to do, but I have cut back). This has all been in the past two months. So here's my gripe - when will I start seeing results?! I feel like I'm the same size as I was before, I just feel a little firmer now. While being firm is great, I'd rather loose weight. Am I doing something wrong or does losing weight the healthy way just take time? It's getting frustrating! At Curves they do monthly progress reports and after a month I had lost 4.25 inches, but no weight. I know muscle weighs more, but isn't it also supposed to burn fat? Sorry to vent, but my wedding is in October and I'm feeling like I'm working my ass off and it won't even be worth it. Any advice, suggestions, etc.?

I ordered that same off the shoulder James Perse shirt from eluxury, but it was out of stock and after getting the 2 C&C California shirts that I paid around $55 a piece for, I decided that the James Perse shirt could stay at eluxury for $64. I like the style of the C&C California shirts, but they are by no means worth the amount of money they cost - they are made out of the thinnest cotton and are really nothing special. I got the extra long sleeved tees in white and black and I do wear them a lot, but I still get mad at myself for paying so much for something that I should have gotten at Target for like $12.

Let's try that link again: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P37360&shouldPaginate=true

I was thinking green too and a glittery lilac shade (more subtle than purple.) Here's an Urban Decay eyeshadow sampler I was thinking about getting b/c it has "safe" shades in it as well as the green and purple I was thinking about trying. How have you been lately, BTW? What's going on in the DC area? http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml%3B$sessionid$3GFSTQVPPQG4PLAUCK5BXCQ;jsessionid=3GFSTQVPPQG4PLAUCK5BXCQ?id=P37360

I am terrified of looking like a clown, so I tend to shy away from color when it comes to makeup and stick with neutrals (brown eyeshadows and liner, regular pink blush and neutral/peach gloss.) Does anybody know what colors are hot this spring/summer or what would look best on a brunette with hazel eyes and medium skin tone (me!) I've heard that if you apply it properly, almost any color can look good on anyone, but I don't know where to start. Thanks!

She still looks a little anorexic there, look how skinny her arms are - YUCK!

I'm just not used to things being so expensive and found it really annoying when I was in NYC last. Here in Baltimore, a beer is around $3 and drinks are around $6. I mean ince in a while a splurge is good, but I can't imagine spending that much money EVERY single time I go out...