Better Body Goals-Accountability Thread

[deepblue]

SeaGlass, call your doctor, ASAP. Or have someone take you to urgent care, or something. Don't mess around with such injuries. Nausea is a sign that you need to be looked at.

As for me, I worked out yesterday per usual, but had to take it easy thanks to someone's cig smoke blowing into my windows all the day before. I wasn't breathing well. So today, not a workout day, I feel like I didn't even work out.

Today I'm breathing better already, no inhaler yet, so I think tomorrow I can give the workout my full force, and be nice and sore the next day.

[SeaGlass Siren]

Went to th doctor at 1 pm. Worst case scenario I have meningitis n head to the hospital, best case scenario I just need a week of rest .

[deepblue]

Ugh. Let's hope it's just rest you need.

I haven't been online much, busy doing various things. I did find a place in the house I can take pics and actually have them turn out okay. But I can't do it! It's not my remaining flab I have a problem with. It's how awful my skin has looked since Feb when I had a massive allergic reaction to something and ended up with hives and I have scars all over my belly and such from it. It looks awful! So I'm sticking to measurements.

This morning's workout was great. I hadn't been feeling up to par, so I did some calculations last night and realized I'm not getting enough calories. Not because I'm trying to eat less for weight loss, but because towards the end of the month, I always eat less to make food last for my daughter. Sigh. In spite of best budgeting, it happens a lot because even with budgeting strictly, things come up when you have a child. So, I ate something, and I'm taking care to figure out a way to eat what I need to so I can feel my best.

[SeaGlass Siren]

I found out calories is just a load of bull. It's a made up thing marketing people use so that people buy their stuff. It's just fat and sugar x whatever amount they want...

You can always buy a bag of rice and a rice cooker, blue. Have some cheap fruit and a meat dish with the rice. Sometimes I put peanuts, mangos, and a beef dish with my rice..

[deepblue]

No, no, no. Caloric intake is not a load of bull. There are paradigms of eating where they don't mean as much because the nutrition intake is so complete and high, but for a diet like I've been eating the past week, 600 calories a day, though all healthy, was simply not enough, and I felt it. You have to use calorie management wisely. Saying "1000 calories a day will help you lose weight" is utter bs if all you are eating is refined starches and corn syrup laden food and drink. Your metabolism would suffer and you'd feel like crud. This is why breast feeding moms are told how many more calories a day they will need, and the emphasis is on 'healthy calories.'

It's not a marketing gimick, it's a basic science of the body. If you eat too little, you end up with some pretty nasty side effects, which is why everyone from the Mayo Clinic to fitness trainers will tell you that balancing your caloric intake is an important aspect of gaining muscle and losing fat.

No one has to be a nut about it- calories are just one aspect of a total fitness approach. I don't believe in 'calorie counting' as a way of life, anymore than I believe in obsessive scale-checking- but in this case, yeah, I needed to find out I wasn't getting enough.

It's also just one approach I could have personally used. I used it because it was the easiest, fastest way to ascertain what I was getting.

[Mermaid Dottie]

oh, yeah, deepblue! 600 is SO not enough! I was told no less than 1200 for me, and I usually aim for around 1500 of eaten calories, no matter how much I've burned during the day.

As and update, I didn't do the tough cardio video yesterday and today simply because I did different stuff.
Here are my ugly tummy pictures!
12797

[SeaGlass Siren]

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=how-do-food-manufacturers
http://www.crossfitmtl.com/blog/2013/04/10/counting-calories-is-bullshit/
http://www.livescience.com/26799-calorie-counts-inaccurate.html?cid=dlvr.it
Here you go. It's still morning I can't properly think of a response without aggravating my neck and gettin a headache so I'm leaving a few things I've read.

Neck is feeling a lot better but doc says I'm on bed rest for a week until its fully healed.

[Mary Marine]

Just started swimming yesterday, my goal is to swim 2-3 times a week for 30 to 60 minutes. I'm 5'1" and 146 lbs. I hadn't weighed myself in a while, last time I checked I was 155, so hazza! I'd like to be 125 (I'm pretty curvy anyway), but I'm not dead set on that number. Mostly I just want to NOT have the back fat crease! Wouldn't mind a more toned booty either. ;) The 30 day squat challenge might be next on the agenda.

Here I am now:
12809

[Mary Marine]

Saying "1000 calories a day will help you lose weight" is utter bs if all you are eating is refined starches and corn syrup laden food and drink.

My mother always says "not all callories are created equal."

[SeaGlass Siren]

motheeeeeeeeeeeeer!... knows... best! :rapunzel: mother knows best, listen to your motherrr (8) :cough:

anyway, yes. mary you look great!

[Mermaid Varshana]

OMG Mary, you're so cute I wanna fold you up and put you in my pocket :3

[Mary Marine]

Thanks SeaGlass! And Varshana, I am short so I'm pocket sized. :)

[Marlin]

I am short so I'm pocket sized. :)

I prefer to think of it as "Travel Size" for your convenience.

Ok! so I'm going to join in! I've let myself go since I got out of the military and would very much like to get back into shape.

My short term goal (next 3 months) is to loose 30 pounds and get myself back down to 165 lbs again.

In the next year I want to steady out at around 155/160.

My plan is to visit the Gym for 1 hour twice a week and head down to the pool at least 3 times a week.

I am currently 190ish.

[Mermaid Dottie]

Oh! Kakarotte changed her name... 0.o I was enjoying the DragonBall reference, but Varshana is beautiful. (the name and the mermaid)

Mary!!!! You totally look like I did on the swim team in High School but with more hips. ^_^ I love it!! I want to get back to that.

UPDATE:
31 minutes of crazy cardio. between the video and chasing my tot back to his room, I got quite the workout. 30 push-ups but I didn't count the sit-ups because I was making faces at the baby.
My abs are soooore. It's so nice.

So, when I flex my abs and poke my belly through my fat, I can feel that my muscles are actually pretty buff right there. So it's really just that I have a thick layer of fat the my body for some reason thinks I need to store. *rolls eyes* yeesh. Anyway, I think I've made progress this week, because look:
12811

I think some of the fat has dropped off. Not really enough to be too noticeable with my clothes on, but a little bit of progress is still progress!

Edit: By the way, do you like my tiger stripes? ^_^

[Mary Marine]

Dottie, thanks and keep up the work, I can definitely see a change in your photos!

Also, Tiger strips sounds WAY cooler than stretch marks! I am officially calling them that now. In fact, if I ever get a striped tail I am totally air brushing them to match for a photo shoot.

[SeaGlass Siren]

Whoa I deft can see the different. The crease is smaller in the second day

[Lyretail]

Post where you are now, where you want to be, and how you are going to do it. This is not a thread for discussing why it's okay to be the way you are, I get it. I really do, but I think I can be better and I'm not going to strive for what I WANT to be.

My goal is to lose another 10-15 pounds/tone up. I want a better chest, I've been doing push-ups daily. Each day I add another 20 to my total for the day. I'm at 180, I need to lose some weight to have a better stomach and really have my abs show, so I'm running 4 times a week.

What are your goals?
I'm at any where from 97-102 LBS presently.
I would like to be around 120-130 LBS.
Weight gain has always been a bit of a struggle for me and the most I've ever been was around 110-115 LBS.
Cashews are a typical daily snack for me. I eat a lot of pastas, and pretty much anything I want beyond that.

[Mermaidmechanic]

My diet plan combined with an active job and hobbies works for me. Diet is super important and I firmly believe that counting calories really does make a difference. I plan on working on legs this summer though. More hiking and more swimming for me! Swimming will also help me add a little more definition to my abs. :) This is where I'm at now:

http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/x390/larpphotos/7c055dbd-f310-42bd-af47-ab520bbcb4ad.jpg (http://s1179.photobucket.com/user/larpphotos/media/7c055dbd-f310-42bd-af47-ab520bbcb4ad.jpg.html)

[SeaGlass Siren]

Hooooly smokes mechanic! :hides behind a rock:

[Mizuko]

excuse my expression, Mechanic, but dayymnnnnn <3 You've got a wonderful figure!! Thats exactly what I would love to look like! :D

[deepblue]

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=how-do-food-manufacturers
http://www.crossfitmtl.com/blog/2013/04/10/counting-calories-is-bullshit/
http://www.livescience.com/26799-calorie-counts-inaccurate.html?cid=dlvr.it
Here you go. It's still morning I can't properly think of a response without aggravating my neck and gettin a headache so I'm leaving a few things I've read.

Neck is feeling a lot better but doc says I'm on bed rest for a week until its fully healed.

First, I'm glad your neck feels better. Neck pain is awful, and effects the whole body.

Second to address the links- they're referring to calorie counting from processed foods. Personally, I don't eat any processed foods.I don't get caloric info from a label, I look it up by what I'm eating in amounts, which I make a good guess at without having absolute measurements because I know amounts by size at this point. I don't eat anything that comes out of a box, unless you count a tofu package. I eat some prepared foods like hummus and corn tortillas, but I make almost everything I eat from whole food sources, so I know exactly what I'm putting into my body.

That said, what you link to is more a warning about what labels can mislead you about, not a case against calorie counting to aid fitness eating, except for the blog entry on crossfitmtl. She goes into details most people don't need to think about but ends with basically the same idea I want to get across- don't count them obsessively, though I would include to use them as a guideline, eat well and have enough activity to support what you're trying to do.

I could find you a hundred more refuting what the crossfit blog says, but the SA one is only an explanation, not a case against calorie counting, and the other is about deceptive labeling and inaccurate labels, and even they have the following quote:
Some researchers say that, on the whole, the inaccuracies in calorie estimates (http://www.livescience.com/15123-restaurants-calorie-counts-wrong-research-finds.html) don't make a big difference. "For most uses, I think they're good enough," said Malden Nesheim, professor of nutrition emeritus at Cornell University, in Ithaca, N.Y., and co-author of the book "Why Calories Count" (University of California Press, 2012). And when most people who use caloric intake as part of a successful approach to fitness eating can attest to the fact that utilizing them correctly works, I think I'll take the success rate. If not thinking about calories is working for you, by all means stick with that!

You don't have to use calories as part of your eating plan. I usually don't because I know already I don't eat too much. When I was a raw foodist I didn't, because the nutritient intake is so high, the paradigm changes. If not counting calories works for you, go for it. But that doesn't mean it doesn't work for millions of people who use it as part of their fitness plan, and all the fitness labs at Universities who have people on treadmills right now and take all of it into account- the calories, nutrients, and where the calories come from.

Anyway, not trying to argue, I just think the links aren't addressing the same thing I am. Done, here. :)

Today all bets are off. My daughter turned four, and I've eaten that many cupcakes. Made from scratch, of course. ;)

Tomorrow, back to eating right. This is why it's nice to eat well most of the time. One day like this is no big deal. Except for the sugary yuck I'm feeling now. bleh. ha.

[SeaGlass Siren]

A funny thing happened today. I lost too much weight because of my neck for the past few days doin couldn't really swallow anything and my meds make me go on the toilet too often. :| stretch marks are near invisible..

[SeaGlass Siren]

And yes blue, let's agree to disagree. All body types are different and require different things.

Lucky you eating cupcakes. I can't do it :| sugars taste funny to me.

[Mary Marine]

Until I can get back to the pool I'm going to try and walk while on my lunchbreak. I work at a VERY large mall that is shaped in an oval so I can literally walk in circles.

[deepblue]

This is so funny, and a really good example of why common sense approaches are best and why there are no quick fixes.

http://jezebel.com/how-to-lose-all-the-weight-you-want-in-just-89-simple-s-5993183

An excerpt of the first 15 of 89. The state of weight loss info on the web today!



Summer's here and the time is right for getting super duper skinny! Where to begin? Since there are always approximately one point seven two zillion stories about how to lose weight, you might be confuzzled. Don't be! We collected the most important weight loss stories we've seen over the last couple of months and compiled them into one handy guide. If you do everything on this list, you will absolutely, positively lose weight — and maybe your mind.
1. First of all, don't work out (http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1914974,00.html).
2. Or, wait: Exercise. But not too much. If you're doing intense exercise, then it's time to exercise less (http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/21/health/weight-exercise-loss).
3. But this thing called cardio (http://www.sunriseseniorliving.com/blog/March-2013/For-Weight-Loss-Moving-Is-Better-Than-Lifting.aspx) is good.
4. And you should definitely do Zumba (http://screen.yahoo.com/dancing-truck-driver-loses-over-224015505.html)!
5. No, actually, you should do interval training (http://www.fitsugar.com/Lose-Weight-Faster-Interval-Training-30861018).
6. Really, what you should do is exercise (http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/07/22/trying-to-lose-weight-ditch-calorie-rich-rewards-after-exercise/) for 250-300 minutes a week. That's four or five hours. And don't you dare reward yourself with a yummy snack afterward.
7. Get inspired by Chris Pratt, who says (http://blog.zap2it.com/pop2it/2013/07/chris-pratt-on-guardians-of-the-galaxy-weight-loss-you-could-do-it.html): "You can do it. You could. You really could. You could do it in six months."
8. Instead of a regular vacation, go to a weight-loss spa (http://www.dubaichronicle.com/2013/03/18/why-choose-a-weight-loss-spa-for-vacation/). Doesn't sound expensive at all.
9. Oh, hell, go ahead, take a vacation! As long as it's at the $2,995-a-week Biggest Loser resort (http://www.necn.com/07/21/13/Biggest-Loser-resort-helps-people-lose-w/landing.html?blockID=847071&feedID=11106).
10. It's important to eat your largest meal earlier in the day (http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2013/01/29/you-are-when-you-eat-new-study-finds/), say, before 3pm.
11. Actually, no. Eat whenever (http://www.nhs.uk/news/2013/02February/Pages/claim-weight-loss-is-linked-to-mealtimes-unsupported.aspx).
12. But definitely graze (http://www.shape.com/weight-loss/weight-loss-strategies/ask-diet-doctor-it-ok-graze) — eat little (http://hopeforwomenmag.com/hope-tv/health-wellness/grazing-a-smart-way-to-lose-weight) meals all day.
13. NO. WAIT. Only eat two meals a day (http://www.today.com/health/two-meals-day-may-be-better-weight-loss-grazing-6C10423982). Do not graze.
14. Skip (http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/want-lose-weight-skip-breakfast-according-surprising-research-195500427.html) breakfast.
15. Nevermind. Don't skip (http://www.stack.com/2013/03/17/skipping-meals/) meals.

[Mermaid Varshana]

Don't ever eat dairy! Also, remember you should eat probiotic yogurt. Vegetarians are the most healthy because meat causes heart disease and actually, if you don't eat meat, you'll get diabetes so Paleo is the way to go. Grains cause inflammation and autism and you should eat between 6-11 servings of whole wheat a day. Juicing will make you super healthy, so you should stick to solid foods or you'll gain all the weight back plus interest.

;)

[Mermaid Dottie]

So Much LOLz!!! :lol::lol::lol:
Update in a little bit...

Edit: Okay! Here's the update I promised.
I went on a little, mini-vacation last wed/Thurs and didn't take any pictures of my belly, (and I also forgot on friday and saturday, but that's because neither I or the baby were feeling too great)
BUT, I did exercise! I swam in tail for 2 hours(probably more) wednesday night, and the next morning actually put on a mini-mermaid performance. See, the pool has these windows that look down over from the second floor of the hotel. One lady saw me, and grabbed her kids. From there, a small crowd gathered. So, flips and tricks, pull-ups, and the like for 45 min after my regular swimming.
Today, 22 min of Tracey Mallett dancefuse.

[Mermaid Dottie]

Picture update
12978

[Merrow Erie]

I guess it's time for me to suck it up and post here. I don't really want to delve into 'why', because it's a long story that still hasn't ended. But due to some serious shit, I gained almost 30 lbs in two months. I'm not pregnant, but I've got stretch marks you wouldn't believe.

I used to be between 140-145. I've got some serious curves and that weight worked for me. Thanks to all this, I'm now 185, and I only stand about 5'3. It's not pretty.

As much as I want to be a mer, I can't stand the sight of my own body. The weight gain was bad enough, but it's a glaring reminder as to WHY I gained it all in the first place. It's maddening and frustrating and I hate it. I've always loved the water, and the idea of a monofin gave me some hope. We have a decent pool at the recreation center at school, and the fin by itself wouldn't look terribly out of place. Just to have the guts to actually be seen in the water, the bathing suit I bought is a pair of boyshorts and a short-sleeve rash guard.

I want to swim my way back to 140. I already eat healthy enough, I just don't have the time (or patience) for a treadmill. Hopefully the physical boost along with my healthier diet will help shit along. We'll see.

[SeaGlass Siren]

Neck fully healed and will restart the squat challenge!! Also I've cheated and ate McDonald's and a crapload of fake Chinese food because for me to take my medications I need to full my stomach past 80% otherwise im keeling over.

[Mermaid Veruliya]

Well actually that before and after picture on the right is of a surgical brazilian butt lift haha but I can vouch! I did a variation of it with a 25lb dumbbell for three months and gained 11lb of muscle mass, mostly lower body. But since muscle weighs more than fat I wasn't like I had these huge quads. I need to start up again. The weighted squats helps get rid of stretch marks (yes, every woman has them) but mine seem to have doubled since I slowed down :(

[Mary Marine]

Went to the pool again today! Swim laps and walked in the resistance pool for a total of 50 minutes, then floated for an hour for fun.

[Mermaid Saphira]

My diet plan combined with an active job and hobbies works for me. Diet is super important and I firmly believe that counting calories really does make a difference. I plan on working on legs this summer though. More hiking and more swimming for me! Swimming will also help me add a little more definition to my abs. :) This is where I'm at now:

http://i1179.photobucket.com/albums/x390/larpphotos/7c055dbd-f310-42bd-af47-ab520bbcb4ad.jpg (http://s1179.photobucket.com/user/larpphotos/media/7c055dbd-f310-42bd-af47-ab520bbcb4ad.jpg.html)


You have an amazing figure, Mechanic!

So I did stop for a little while, but now I'm back on the Jillian's 30 day shred and have been doing it for..what? 5 days now? Anyway, I have noticed a few changes, but I'm still not happy. Patience plays a huge part, I guess :/. I am feeling a little discouraged though. I went swimsuit shopping today and I couldn't find a single thing I liked on my body, mostly my butt :P

[Mermaid Varshana]

I FINALLY got to 150lbs today! I'm 5lbs from my goal :)

[Mermaid Saphira]

I FINALLY got to 150lbs today! I'm 5lbs from my goal :)


:thumbs-up: Yay! Go girl!

[SeaGlass Siren]

Congrats varshana!!! :D

Ive reached my goal. Weighing the same but reduced in size. Meaning I now have muscle weight!!!

[deepblue]

Congrats to both of you!

The measurements I took on 6/30 were:

butt 38"
hips 37"
waist 27.5"

And today, basically a month later, they're:

butt 37.5"
hips 35"
waist 27"

I'm not paying attention to under or over bust measurement at this point.

The butt measurement I'm happy with. It's lifting. I could tell anyway, because before, if I stood with my arms down, my fingers met my bum at a certain point, and now I have to curl my fingers up a bit to touch the same spot. I still have a lot of fat to lose, but it took a few years to get there, it won't come off in one month.

So this is pretty good progress. Only a few days where I didn't eat enough because I had no choice. This is all the result of eating well, making sure I get enough calories, and working out. I started off at three days a week or so, and the last couple weeks I've been working out every other day. Except yesterday, my migraine was far too bad. Skipping that one day though, I really felt it, and I felt stodgy all day.

So far, so good.

[cheshkitten]

Sadly, over the last few months I've really ballooned up. I'm not sure what was the root cause, but all at the same time I gained weight, stopped eating as well as I know I should (due to not really having the finances to eat well), have had insomnia and anxiety, worsened depression, and my PCOS has been getting worse. :/

With PCOS, I have to be careful of insulin resistance and weight gain, so I think that is the best place to start. I'm currently 155lbs (measured last night after dinner), just 10lbs shy of my highest weight. However, since I got diagnosed with PCOS and started taking Testosterone blockers, the way my body stores fat has changed dramatically. I used to gain everywhere evenly, now it centers more on my boobs, thighs and butt. So the plus side is that I'm storing weight in "healthier" places (better to be pear than apple), and don't feel as bloated.

Today starts my new eating plan. I need to start eating lower GI foods, and cut back on fast/convenience foods.

I just got a Groupon for Hot Yoga classes, so I will start doing that every day I don't have work, plus either a walk or bike ride with my dog either in the morning or after work. I also have a gym membership at a place that has a small lap pool, so I need to start swimming more often too!

Goals:
Get back on track with healthy eating (~1200 cal), and exercise almost every day.
Goal weight 1: 145lbs (By mid Sept)
Goal weight 2: 135lbs (By Nov 1st)
Ultimate goal weight: 125lbs or, if I start weight lifting 135lbs to account for muscle

Before:
13081

Now:
13082

[Mermaid Varshana]

Congrats to both of you!

The measurements I took on 6/30 were:

butt 38"
hips 37"
waist 27.5"

And today, basically a month later, they're:

butt 37.5"
hips 35"
waist 27"

I'm not paying attention to under or over bust measurement at this point.

The butt measurement I'm happy with. It's lifting. I could tell anyway, because before, if I stood with my arms down, my fingers met my bum at a certain point, and now I have to curl my fingers up a bit to touch the same spot. I still have a lot of fat to lose, but it took a few years to get there, it won't come off in one month.

So this is pretty good progress. Only a few days where I didn't eat enough because I had no choice. This is all the result of eating well, making sure I get enough calories, and working out. I started off at three days a week or so, and the last couple weeks I've been working out every other day. Except yesterday, my migraine was far too bad. Skipping that one day though, I really felt it, and I felt stodgy all day.

So far, so good.

How tall are you, Blue?

[Mermaid Varshana]

Btw, don't weigh yourself after dinner. You can put as much as 5lbs on throughout the day.

[cheshkitten]

Btw, don't weigh yourself after dinner. You can put as much as 5lbs on throughout the day.
Yeah, I know but I was at a friends house and he had a much better scale than mine. His said that I was 155.6 at night and mine usually says 155 in the morning, so I guess that's good?

[Mermaid Veruliya]

I feel like the odd one out. I'm trying so hard to gain weight, and for my body type, it's as hard as losing weight. Don't tell me to eat more, believe me, I've heard enough of that bullshark and it's as annoying and hurtful as telling someone they're too fat, eat less.
I'd like my little arms to get a bit bigger and my thighs and booty definitely. I'm giving up on my legs bc my dad has bird legs like me, and you can't help genetics. We'll see what better progress I can make.

[Mermaid Varshana]

I was your size when I was 18. It will come, no worries :)

[deepblue]

My sister goes through that. ^ Have you researched online? I know, though, it's hard to find weight gain sites that aren't body-building centric, and that's not quite the same as what you're talking about.


How tall are you, Blue?

I'm 5'3". Tiny bones, too- my wrists are 5 1/2" around at the widest point, my ankles are 7" around.

[SeaGlass Siren]

Blue...my wrists are like yours xD tiny baby hands. My ring size is a 3

[Mermaid Veruliya]

Actually that may be my problem, no muscle at all. Ive always been athletic but hated sports. I know I'm an ectomorph (google y'all) and so it's extremely hard to put on any kind of weight, including muscle. When I was working out 5x a week for about 5 months, lifting weight for 3, I gained 11lbs. Ands I lost half of it after I didn't lift for three weeks. Also, it never made any visible difference. I'm comfortable with being small now, I'd just like to gain an inch or two in my arms and 3-5 in my hips/ thighs :)

[Mermaid Varshana]

Lift weights like the boys. You'll get arms and a booty in no time!

[Mermaid Veruliya]

That's my plan, watch out boys!

[Mermaidmechanic]

Thanks all for the compliments... I find that forcing fruits and veggies down at least once a day keeps me feeling happy and energized. When I neglect to eat them, I feel slow and unmotivated so I strongly suggest incorporating lots of plants into you diet! Juicing is a great way to do that and you can even make cool stuff from the pulp (like soup or muffins)!

Now, for those of you struggling to loose weight, I'm going to say something that a lot of people will argue/disagree with and that I don't necessarily recommend unless you're having a really hard time with weight. Here's a back story first: A while back ago I went on birth control via injection. My hormones went all sorts of crazy and I gained a lot of weight that I could not loose. After many unsuccessful attempts to loose the weight in a healthy manner, I cheated. Before I tell you what I used, I'm going to say this. If you choose to use it, it can give you weird side effects. You will feel crappy for the first week or two... lightheaded, nauseous, agitated, a whole slew of potential side effects that I determined were worth the risk. It's not healthy and you still have to make sure you're eating right and being active, but it shed my stubborn weight in a 2 month period. You have to follow the directions if you take it or serious health problems can occur. Additionally, if you do decide to do it, you should only take it until you're at a healthy weight and then maintain yourself the healthy way. Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I used a metabolism booster known as oxy elite pro. They sell it at GNC and it worked wonders. It's not a magic pill (it comes with all sorts of potential health risks) but for me, getting rid of that weight and the frustration of my body not responding to any healthy means of weight control, was worth it. Once I got to my desired weight, I dropped the oxy elite and also the birth control shot because screw that. After witnessing my dramatic change, a bunch of my friends used it with a similar outcome. Loosing that uncomfortable weight allowed my to go back to some of my hobbies which the extra pounds interfered with AND saved me the trouble of having to buy bigger clothes (and uniforms). Anyway, just thought I would mention it. Im not saying run out and buy metabolism boosters, but if you're body just wont comply and your weight makes you really uncomfortable, then it might be something to look into.

[SeaGlass Siren]

Mechanic you brave soul.. ._. I don't take any type of pills besides menstrual cramping pills when I can't tank the cramps.

[Mermaid Saphira]

[QUOTE=deepblue;83490 I'm 5'3". Tiny bones, too- my wrists are 5 1/2" around at the widest point, my ankles are 7" around.[/QUOTE]

I'm 5'3" with the same sized wrists and my ankles are just barely 6 inches :)

I worked today and added in some squats, but I must not be doing the aquats right because my joints hurt now. Oh, and I tried to do some butt workouts, but I never feel them in my butt, more in my back and it hurts or my thighs, but my thigs are bulky enough :P

[deepblue]

A lot of us seem to have squat trouble. I found this on Pinterest, and it might help.

I haven't been doing any, but man I want faster results for my bum, so I might just them after all.

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[Mermaid Veruliya]

"Ass to grass" and "knees behind toes", that's the way the squatter goes 🎶

[Mermaid Varshana]

I finally made it a whopping 1/5 of a pound under 150 this morning. Under 150 was my "mini goal."

So this was my stomach at nearly 156:

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This is my stomach today, about 3 months later:

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[Mermaid Saphira]

Yay! I just love your expression in that picture, you're so adorable! ^-^ lol

[Mermaid Dottie]

Sorry I've been MIA, y'all. I ended up with an infection and the baby and I have been passing it back and forth, poor kid. It started out with him having a hundred degree fever for a day and a half, then Hubby took him to the doctor, who said his ears were fine (he'd been tugging at them), but his throat was red.
Then, I ended up with the fever and sore throat. Then I got a bad cough/sinus crap, and now he's coughing as well. :(
I hate when I get sick in the middle of a workout streak. I was doing so well. :( After my four-day mini-vaca, I felt awesome and was gonna rule the world. :( Now, I'm just hoping I'm well enough for my son's birthday party next weekend.
Needless to say, no pictures for a bit, since I'm not getting any exercise.

[SeaGlass Siren]

Get well soon Dottie!

[deepblue]

Varshana- lol, I love how stoked you are in that pic. lol Congrats!
Dottie- ick, sorry you're sick! And your little one. Take care of yourself.

Okay, I know that working out is why I am so much stronger lately. I never have to take my inhaler unless a smoker walks by and I don't hold my breath quick enough. I can push a cart full of groceries super easy.

But the best thing is that I just blew up a balloon for my daughter. I know that sounds like nothing. But- I've never been able to get a balloon started. And it took forever to blow one up, and I end up lightheaded at the end. But just now, I blew the damn thing up and I feel fine, and it took like four big breaths.

This is fecking amazing. Now if only all the smokers would magically disappear from my path, I'd be off asthma medication entirely.

[SeaGlass Siren]

Oh my gosh congrats blue!!!! Reading that just made me smile :)

New body goal: get rid of the acne, bacne, and drop the beer gut. Any advice on how to get rid of the blubber on my belly?

[Mermaid Varshana]

Any advice on how to get rid of the blubber on my belly?
I've cut out a lot of processed food. If I eat bread or sweets, I keep it with one meal a day. I don't eat pasta anymore. I eat a lot of mixed salad greens, lean meats, yogurt with nuts/dried cranberries, I eat fruit instead of sweets. Tonight I had half of a lightly buttered baked butternut squash for dinner, and it was HEAVENLY. Assume that if it's canned, sugary, comes in a frozen box, or comes from a bakery, you shouldn't be having more than one serving of it a day, if that.

Oh, and my average grocery bill is only $20 as opposed to nearly $40 ;)

[SeaGlass Siren]

Ok so here's what I eat vs what I don't eat

Veggies, whole grain and white bread, potato chips, fruits, berries, occasional sweets like jello, once a year I eat Reese's cups. candies I absolutely HATE and I will not touch them, any dairy product I do not eat because I'm lactose intolerant.. Although its kinda wierd cuz I can have a chicken and veggie pot pie from Swiss chalet. Also I'm a sucker for that cashew teriyaki chicken salad ;-; I'm horrible.

Ive already cut out alcohol and greasy Chinese food (because it tastes frickin nasty), processed/frozen and canned food. White rice is a staple because I'm Asian and whatever my parents make I MUST eat. So for the most part my arms, leg, neck, face are very lean. I just look pregnant :|

[SeaGlass Siren]

Oh I also forget to mention that I only drink water and traditional herbal tea , I don't drink any juices (too sweet) or milk (diarrhea!! ) or coffee (nastiness) or pop (because it tastes funny)

[Mermaid Varshana]

Cut out bread and chips. You might have a gluten allergy that's causing you to bloat like that.

[SeaGlass Siren]

I bloat during the time of my period too.

Whaaaa?? Gluten allergy?? •_•

[Mermaid Veruliya]

Searching for help, would someone be able to shed some light?
So about three or four years ago I started getting headaches after eating beef, halfway thru a meal to two hours later. I continued to get them, I cut out a lot of beef but still ate burgers and tacos and roast beef, which I would get headaches from. Recently, past 6-8 months I've cut out almost all beef, and eating just chicken or ham, turkey, other deli cuts. It helped for a bit, but then I started getting headaches after I ate other foods. Ham and sausage, sometimes different spices, almost always after foods like poptarts and cereal, packaged cookies, fries, hushpuppies, it seems like half the food I eat gives me a headache. I know most of it are the unhealthy choices. (Never had a headache from an apple or salad)
I've always had random hives and rashes, my whole life almost, maybe once a month all over. Which leads me to think I have an allergy. But what kind of allergen is in almost every food, and what can I do to get rid of the uncomfortable/ annoying to pounding headaches? And why is it suddenly causing problems the last few years when I've had rashes and breakouts my whole life?

[Mermaid Varshana]

Yeah. I had to break down and realize that bread was bloating me and was causing indigestion when I ate it. Plus, bread is basically pure carbohydrates, especially white bread and white potatoes, much of which turns into fat when you digest it :\

http://glutenfreenetwork.com/symptoms-treatments/gluten-intolerance-symptoms-how-do-you-know-if-gluten-is-making-you-sick/

[Mermaid Varshana]

Veruliya, you might be allergic to MSG and gluten, which has a lot of different names in labels. It sucks when youre young and you have the metabolism to really enjoy all-American cuisine like fried shit and burgers. Bodies change a lot as you age. It's why I don't eat processed meat free products anymore. The only way to escape it is by going processed-free.

[SeaGlass Siren]

Oh my gosh Keri that's horrible.. And yet a blessing in disguise...

At least that forces you To make healthier options

[Mermaid Veruliya]

I've definitely noticed pounding headaches after Chinese and Japanese food that I know has MSG. In fact that's usually when it's the worst. Maybe there's MSG in other packaged foods that are causing it.
Is there a way to get tested for a gluten and MSG allergen?

[Mermaid Veruliya]

I've definitely noticed pounding headaches after Chinese and Japanese food that I know has MSG. In fact that's usually when it's the worst. Maybe there's MSG in other packaged foods that are causing it.
Is there a way to get tested for a gluten and MSG allergen?

[Aziara]

The medical test for gluten is woefully inaccurate. The best way to test is to have absolutely no gluten for a week or two, then eat something that has it, and see if you react. I don't know about MSG (monosodium glutamate) testing--But I also get headaches from MSG, along with light-headedness and confusion. I usually cook my own Asian cuisine if I'm hungry for it (most soy sauce also contains gluten, believe it or not)

[Mermaid Veruliya]

Wow soy sauce too?? Well that makes sense, even my own fried rice gives me a little headache once in a while. Ill try that! When I go to college they have a whole food court dedicated to gluten free. Right now it's pretty much impossible

[Aziara]

Yeah, going gluten free is tough, but if it makes you feel healthy, it's definitely worth it. I'm something of a neurotic ingredient checker--I check literally everything that goes in my mouth or on my skin.

[Mermaid Veruliya]

That's awesome though, I wish I had more knowledge on the matter. Thanks for the help :)

[Jessica]

Keri,
my mom just got diagnosed with celiac disease (severe gluten intolerance) a few months ago. She had it for years and never knew it. She used to get terrible migraines and it caused a ton of other physical problems. One of the most severe issues it caused was the development of huge fibroids in her uterus that caused horrendous bleeding. People with gluten intolerance often have very low vitamin d......because of the celiac disease the body doesn't absorb it properly. Low vitamin d is a cause of fibroids in women. My mom had to get a hysterectomy and the fibroids were so big her uterus was the size of a cantaloupe...basically the size it would be 5 months pregnant. She felt terrible for years before she was diagnosed and had no energy. It was just awful...she wasn't herself. She's on the road to recovery now though and is starting to finally feel human again!

You can test yourself for gluten like Azaria mentioned, but you have to be aware that it can take up to a few days for a sensitivity/reaction to occur. Many people are just mildly sensitive to gluten...others are severe like my mom. So if I were you I would go gluten free for 2 weeks and then eat one item containing gluten. Make sure you wait several days (and stay gluten free) before testing another food.

Also....if an item lists "artificial flavorings" on the label, it probably contains gluten. This includes just about every soda and sparkling water on the market except Virgil's and hansens. Gluten is used as a binding agent in many items....even medicine.

Glutino has amazing chocolate wafer cookies and yogurt covered pretzels! If you have any questions, let me know. I did hours of research for my mom when she was diagnosed.

one more thing....shampoo, makeup, hand soap, lotion....all full of gluten! Check ingredients! Whole foods sells gluten free beauty products..that's where my mom gets her shampoo.

[Mermaid Dottie]

So, I don't have new pictures just yet(Yes, I know you were just DYING to see photos of my flab;) )But I do have something cool to relate.
Saturday Siren Bells came over, after not having seen her for a few weeks, and she said I was slimming down!
Then, yesterday, my sister-in-law said the same thing!!!
Just the boost I needed to get my recovering booty in gear. When The baby wakes up, we're walking over to the park for pictures of him in his Tigger-esque outfit. (His birthday is one week from today.) Once there, I'm sure I will chase him all over it. Again.
Not as rigorous of cardio, but it's my first day back to it, and I still have a slight cough.

[SeaGlass Siren]

What a treasure trove of information on MSG and gluten... HOLY!

[Mermaid Varshana]

MSG is insidious. It hides in labels under many names, texturized protein being one. So, no meatless meat-like products for me :/

[Mermaid Saphira]

I think I want to run a marathon.

I'm tired of being a couch potatoe. Well, in my case, an office chair potatoe. ^_^

[SeaGlass Siren]

Now that I am fully healed... Starting over the squat challenge again. Did 50 yesterday and 55 this morning. The ass burn... Ow.

[Mermaid Dottie]

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I don't know about y'all, but I can definitely see a difference, here.
The back crease is getting shallower, and the weird, little, vertical dent under my belly button is almost gone. So excited!

[SeaGlass Siren]

Oh man I can really see t he difference dottie

[Mermaid Dottie]

Thanks SeaGlass!
I'm really excited that the difference is visible. It's good motivation, y'know?
Today I did 20 minutes of my cardio video and I kept up with Tracey the whole time!
SO happy right now! My muscle are burning, and it's nice!
I also did 30 sit-ups, and 20 push-ups.
Still trying to figure out how to work weights in. Anymer have any good video suggestions?

And speaking of bodies... Hubby and I need a new mattress. We're on an 7-year-old bed that needs replacing. The springs are actually starting to break. I discovered that when you sleep on a real old bed, you have no energy for anything, and you hurt a lot.

[deepblue]

This last week, because I've been dealing with mental crap, I cannot sleep. So I have only worked out on Sat and yesterday! Ugh! I'm going to feel it when I get back on track.

[Mermaid Saphira]

I've been school shopping a lot this past week so I wasn't able to workout much, but I did manage to fit in a short jog every morning, but yesterday. I've been jogging with my doggy monsters so it's like having one of those mean personal trainers xD "Faster, faster, FASTER!"

I am hoping to try out this new routine when the weather starts to get cold again here. Basically you run one minute, walk one minute, run another minute and so on for 15 or more total minutes.

I also have a bit of a confession. I did nothing, but eat orea cookies yesterday D,:. They are a mager weakness of mine, but my mom doesn't care. I wish she was more supportive of this, ya know, like she wouldn't bring home cakes and cookies or fix greasy and fatty meats all the time :(.

[Mermaid Oshun]

Has anyone tried garcinia cambrosia along with their exercise?

[SeaGlass Siren]

What's that?

[Mermaid Saphira]

What's that?

It is a weight-loss supplement extracted from a sub-tropical species native to indonesia.
http://thegarciniacambogiaextract.org/
(http://thegarciniacambogiaextract.org/)
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[Mermaidmechanic]

I've decided to start a mild work out regiment so I can pass the advanced set of physical fitness standards the military has for males. I can pass the minimum requirements for males (discluding that damned run), but it looks so much better on your portfolio if you can pass the "im a badass" test. So, I ran, did sit ups, and did push ups friday. Now all I have to do is maintain a work out schedule even though I hate working out. I at least want to pass the run in under 10 minutes by the end of the year. I'll be a beast. :P

[Mermaid Saphira]

I was doing the skaterhop yesterday and my ankle hit the floor wrong. Needless to say, I'll be dormant from this thread for a little while.
Skaterhop + anger = diaster -__-

[Mermaid Oshun]

I just got 4 bottles of garcinia cambrogia. I plan to take a pill one hour before each meal 3 times per day. I will not change my diet since I really do not eat much and they claim you don't have to diet with these pills. We will see what happens :$
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FA5Y3vv8Z58

[coral_sybil]

I am heavier than I look, let me get that out there before I say more....
I am working to lose 65 pounds, I need to not just to feel better about myself, but because the doctors need to be sure about what is causing the irregular sounds to my heart.

I've plateaued so starting tomorrow I'm breaking out the work out video from hell. Typically leaves you laying on the ground panting. Belly Butt and Thighs boot camp.

I am holding off on an actual tail because I am going to be losing weight.

[deepblue]

Worked out today finally. It took me all week but I got myself back to my semblance of 'normal' and with my mental state stabilized, I got sleep. So this workout was kind of awesome because I really felt it in my glutes, like I haven't in ages.

I met a guy recently and we hit it off and for various reasons we decided to just be friends, but when he told me that physically, I'm his ideal... that was just awesome. Very motivating.

[Aziara]

I just got 4 bottles of garcinia cambrogia. I plan to take a pill one hour before each meal 3 times per day. I will not change my diet since I really do not eat much and they claim you don't have to diet with these pills. We will see what happens :$
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FA5Y3vv8Z58

How is the garcinia cambrogia working out for you? I talked to my mother about it (She's an ND), and she said it only works by violently purging the intestines, and could cause some nausea and other digestive upset. I'd be careful with that stuff.

[Mermaid Oshun]

I dont know how its working yet it has been under a week. No offense but I have not experienced any purging of my intestines, nausea or digestive upset at all. Dr. Oz recommends it and he is an actual physician (M.D.).
Time will tell. I am not stressing out about it bc my body is fine by my standards.

To try to give you a better answer. I immediately felt more energized and less lethargic as I normally feel. I did not feel like I was speeding like on caffeine, just more energy. That's about it really so far. No nausea or diarrhea whatsoever.

[Mermaid Tasia]

I am the same size as you, height and weight. My fat is all in the butt and thighs. I went on a 4 mile walk with my boyfriend and I swear the cellulite practically disappeared. Swimming is a major help I think as well as running after my niece and nephew on the playground. I always pack on weight in the winter because i eat a lot of fattening foods (not to mention Halloween candy as well as Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners and desserts) and I spend most of my summer working it off. I have taken to eating smaller portions of everything in the winter and following my food with water to keep everything moving. I definitely like my weight more in the form of muscle!

[Lotus]

@Golden Pearl- I used that exact supplement for a couple months, but stopped because it did NOTHING for me. We are all different tho, so who knows?
Alright first off, I have not read the entire thread yet, but I will- that being said, here's what I want for me.... To lose the 40 plus pounds of fat hanging on my body, to become stronger and build a better core. (I mountain bike and really need the core strength)
I started running most days of the week in the mornings, and started riding with my hubby more (he's super good and REALLY hard to keep up with) and I got into a weight loss program the last week of June. I was doing great, but started blowing off going in for visits and started falling back into old habits... I started at 173 pounds, I'm now 164.5. I want to be in the high 150's by the end of next week. I know a lot of people will say I'm being unrealistic, but I know first hand how hard work pays off, and when I stick to my diet plan, the weight FALLS off. I'm going to post some pics of progress :)

[Mermaid Oshun]

Good luck Tasia and Lotus!

[Lotus]

hey thanks!
I wanted to add- I am pushing myself in the pool and running for better breath control and starting yoga- I am DETERMINED to get hired at the Denver Aquarium.

[SeaGlass Siren]

Ok so I have remained a constant weight (160 pounds) and I figured out why I bloat so much. I eat too much gassy foods ;-; and I found out that drinking mint tea everymorning helps reduce bloating.

[Lotus]

Mint tea is fraking awesome! I grow spearmint and peppermint and make it super fresh. Something else that can help with gas and bloating is papaya enzyme. It's a digestive aid- I LOVE it. It's great for heartburn as well as gas and digestion :)

[SeaGlass Siren]

Anything for monthly bloating? If ya know what I mean?

[Lotus]

Yeah totally- hot lemon water. Half a lemon, squeeze the juice into a really large (like a quart size) container of really hot water. Drop the lemon in there too. Let the whole thing sit for a little while till it's cool enough to drink, then drink it down. Yeah, it tastes bitter. Yeah, it's a lot of water. But the oils from the skin and the citric acid from the fruit are GREAT for flushing out retained water.

In other news- down to 161.5- been running, mountain biking, and swimming every day; using Sundays for easy days. I know now I have to really focus on my core and upper body- my back is really tight and getting very sore from working out, and I know a huge part of the problem is my weak, stretched out abdominals. I'm going to be focusing hard on locking down my mid-section. I want my muffin top GONE by Halloween

[SeaGlass Siren]

Ooo I love bitter citrus!!!

[deepblue]

I haven't been on much because I'm spending so much time writing. But I am working out again on schedule. I haven't measured, but all my pants are too big for me. lol I can visibly see the difference now, and I can feel it big time. wooohoo!

[Mermaid Saphira]

Hello again everyone! I luckily did not break any bones during my skaterhop fall; just a sprain and a horribly ugly bruise. I still can't do overly intense workouts as it irritates my foot, but simple things for my upper body (ie. arms, abs..) are fine. As soon as my foot is all good to go, I'm going to start training for my 5k again. Oh yes, my new constant weight (so far) is between 116-118 pounds.

[eyes2theocean]

Hi, all!
I was psyched to find a thread like this on this forum. I'm VERY into fitness and health, and am happy to provide advice or to dispel any "fitness lies" we are so easily ready to believe in. . .like gimmicks that promise fast and easy weight loss without diet modification and exercise. Fat burners, etc. don't work they way you expect. They give you energy, and can make you less hungry, but they won't actually burn any fat, and they're pretty much a placebo. (Some do exist that do work, but they're by prescription only from an actual doctor.)
As to my health, I underwent a 12 week training and diet program created by an online trainer. I went from 154 lbs and 23% body fat (tested hydrostatically) to 137lbs and 17.3% body fat. I've since regained some weight and probably body fat, but my goal is to get to and maintain between 130 and 135lbs before I purchase a tail.
(Please note I generally disapprove of only relying on pounds as a goal, but I've seen what my body fat, health, and body looks like at 137, and know my goals are both realistic and possible to maintain the muscle I currently have.)

Glad to have another community in which to thrive!

[Merman Arion]

Hi guys!
It has been a while since my last post here. I see that everyone is doing his best, that thread is definitely a good thing!
I'm going back to the gym this week and i plan to do an intense program to gain 7 kgs of muscles within 6 months. I wanna become a trainer in the future so i gotta work on my body and strenght to fit in their league. :cool:

Until now, i have been doing the squat challenge every week during all summer and my butt is looking better than ever. (It still need to be more firm though..). So everyone who is doing it, keep going because it's really effective :thumbs-up:

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[Anahita]

Aaaaand now I'm jealous... I've GOT to start doing some squats. I guess I have to work it into my regular stretching, since I can't actually work out because of my lung condition.

[Merley]

O.O Dat ass. Damn, French. Makes me want to get all fit again and stuff. Miss my firm booty :/

[SeaGlass Siren]

B: DAT ASS.

[eyes2theocean]

DANG dude. That butt is a great accomplishment. Speaks volumes to squatting with heavy weight, and what can be achieved. Well done!

[Mermaid Oshun]

I am going into my 2nd bottle of garcinia cambrosia and have not lost one pound. Now I did not diet or exercise though because they say you don't have to with this. I will take the other 2 bottles since I have them, but I don't expect much at this point.

[PearlieMae]

This has started to go viral lately: http://www.reddit.com/r/keto/comments/w2kuu/365_days_85_pounds_2ish_pieces_of_advice_f54/c59o7f4 (check out the photo link at the top, too)

And I listened to this Monday and it makes a LOT of sense: http://www.wnyc.org/shows/lopate/2013/sep/02/dr-robert-lustig-sugar-fat-and-obesity/

I've lost 22 pounds since January just by cutting out my two pieces of morning toast with butter and halving the sugar I add to my coffee (That took a while).

The only thing that really works is eat less, move more.

[Mermaid Oshun]

My problem is I love food Pearlie.:$ I just polished off a bowl of spicy chili for lunch and it was just scrumptious ;). I counted my calories yesterday and I think I eat about 1200-1500 calories everyday but I am very sedentary.

I had been on the HCG drops from walmart and I actually gained about 5 pounds

[eyes2theocean]

Golden Pearl - you seem so eager for a magic quick fix (aren't we all?) if a pill or a gimmick actually WORKED (and the HCG in particular has been proven as a placebo by multiple doctors, you simply cannot absorb it into your system the way it is advertised, even IF it worked once in your system) wouldn't everyone be clamoring for it? We'd KNOW about it, is the point, rather than it being fringe, it'd be mainstream.

The only way to take weight off (and I assume we're talking FAT LOSS here, not just the goal of less pounds) and keep it off is to do it slowly, increasing your physical activity and decreasing the amount of calories you consume (within reason). Incorporating weight training into your fitness will astronomically improve your chances of sustained fat loss.

[Mermaid Oshun]

Yeah I will have to start walking again. Thanks for that

[Mermaid Syrena]

Golden Pearl- that bowl of chili sounds absolutely delicious! You're making me crave for it now!
Maybe try walking with an mp3 player? I always find music really helps me. I get really envious of people who can exercise without music.

[PearlieMae]

http://happyplace.someecards.com/26055/8-simple-tips-to-lose-weight-fast-before-you-step-on-the-scale

[Merman Arion]

Golden Pearl - you seem so eager for a magic quick fix (aren't we all?) if a pill or a gimmick actually WORKED (and the HCG in particular has been proven as a placebo by multiple doctors, you simply cannot absorb it into your system the way it is advertised, even IF it worked once in your system) wouldn't everyone be clamoring for it? We'd KNOW about it, is the point, rather than it being fringe, it'd be mainstream.

The only way to take weight off (and I assume we're talking FAT LOSS here, not just the goal of less pounds) and keep it off is to do it slowly, increasing your physical activity and decreasing the amount of calories you consume (within reason). Incorporating weight training into your fitness will astronomically improve your chances of sustained fat loss.

I agree 100%. :thumbs-up:

[SeaGlass Siren]

I'm feeling a bit lightheaded. I think I should go back to eating 0-0

[Mermaid Oshun]

that was so funny pearlie :lol:

[PearlieMae]

that was so funny pearlie :lol:

Happy to share!

[Lotus]

Hey all, checking back in! I'm down to 158 pounds! That's two pounds heavier than when I got pregnant with my first girl almost 10 years ago. I haven't been this light since before I got pregnant with the second little one back in 2008.
I know I mentioned before that I got into a weight loss program and I am exercising more, but I wanted to expand on that a little. In the past, I've gone at this weight loss thing in a very half-assed way. Either by exercising but not changing my diet very much if at all, or by dieting but not working out. In all honesty, changing my eating habits has always been the easiest way to drop pounds, but without the exercise, any tiny little indiscretion showed up IMMEDIATELY on the scale. And working out without dietary change made me feel better overall and I did stop gaining weight, but I never lost any. Part of the problem there is that I have always loathed working out. Even when I got into a routine of doing it, I never pushed myself hard at all. So I was stuck in the cycle of "work hard", see no results, give up and resume old habits. Not smart. This time is different, here's why:

I didn't start running with weight loss in mind. I did it because I felt totally horrible all the time (mentally) and my already present mental health issues were beginning to take over my life. So I started running to reap the benefits of the endorphin rush you get when you tax yourself. I started running every other day from my house to the lake nearby, half way 'round it and back. About 2 miles. About three or four runs into my new routine I got a free Strava account for tracking my runs. Strava is great! It tells you how far you've gone, your moving time, and how many calories you've burned. It also shows you your split times, and keeps track of your times so you can see your improvement. Honestly, the Strava thing was the biggest boost to my workouts because it reawakened my competitive personality- I started pushing myself harder to get better times, and to try to get on top of the leader board of other local women who run in my area. I even started using the app when I mountain bike, and it's improved my ride times too! Racing the clock! now look, here's the important part. I feel like I'm about a third of the way to being truly fit. I feel so much better, but I still have a long way to go, and I have already overcome so big hurdles to get this far. It's taken me THREE MONTHS of solid work to get into decent cardiovascular shape. And I wouldn't be this far if not for the second commitment I made- changing my eating habits FOR LIFE.


About a month into the running and riding more, I went out on a ride with my husband and as we were going along, we were talking about different bikes and how the materials used to build them affects the overall design of the bike. Like a steal framed bike has a thinner frame, while an aluminum bike's frame is bulkier to make up for the difference in the metals strength. And how even the much bulkier looking carbon bikes are still much lighter because of the material it's made from. I told him I couldn't see myself ever needing a bike that light (not to mention expensive!) and he agreed, but added if we were serious racers it would matter because "when you ride and race that hard, every ounce counts," And it clicked- if I actually drop pounds, running and riding and even swimming will be easier! So I went to a weight loss program. NOT because that's the best way to lose weight, but because I know myself well enough to know that I needed help. I needed someone to TEACH me the right way to eat, and I needed the support and accountability that comes with checking in with someone two to three times a week. It's been wonderful to have people to talk to when I hit road blocks, so I know how to overcome them rather than allow them to get me to quit. In this process I've learned one really important thing- yes, calories count. But all calories are not created equal. 1200 calories that mostly consist of starch, fat and sugar will do far less for you than 1500 calories of lean protein, veggies and fruits with small portions of healthy oils. I now eat veggies with every meal. I cook with cooking spray, I stopped using better almost entirely, and I have fruit for my carbs instead of bread or the like to satisfy my taste for sugar. For me, these were drastic changes, and tough to handle at first. But I went into this understanding that to become the woman I want to be, I was going to have to change my lifestyle. And as time has gone on, it's become second nature. I can SEE the changes in my body that I could only feel before. It's amazing! oh, also, I keep a journal of what I eat, and I always plan ahead with meals so I don't wind up out someplace starving and fall into the "one cheeseburger can't hurt" routine again.

Please understand, I realize that what I just described is not for everyone, but I wanted to share in case it would help others. :) KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK, EVERYONE!

[Mermaid Oshun]

Congratulations Lotus! I actually gained weight. :$

[SeaGlass Siren]

I gained weight but I'm skinnier. Um... ._. I mean I know how it works but I don't think jumpin on a scale is gonna help me anymore. Lol.

Turns out my chubbies came from period bloating :rolleyes:

[deepblue]

I'm actually curious about my weight now. I'll see if my (new) boyfriend has a scale... he's in fitness, too, which is so helpful for my own motivation. This month has been the worst! Because of the heat.

But if he has a scale, I'm not going to make it a habit to check. :)

[Mermaid Syrena]

Good going, everyone! Try not to worry about weight gain if you've been doing things right. Sometimes it's muscle growth, other times it's water retention (certain types of exercise, believe it or not, can make you retain slightly more water in your muscles). I get bloated A LOT even if I'm very good, but I try to calm that down with fennel tea (a proven diuretic), and I do a teatox every once in a while to cleanse the system. It's a long journey for me though, and I'm always ricocheting up and down. I feel like a sexy little shrimp one moment and then a beluga whale celebrating Christmas the next, lol!

Has anyone tried Blogilates? Youtube "Blogilates". If you like peppy, girly things- she might be great for you. She can be hyper and she talks A LOT, but she mixes up her exercises a lot and it's fun to do a few videos once in a while.

[Lotus]

Checking in! I'm down to 156 pounds- my pre-first-pregnancy weight! It's been FOREVER since I've been this light. Still running, riding or swimming nearly every day of the week and sticking to my eating plan. SO HAPPY!

[SeaSister]

I haven't posted on here in a long time, but I just wanted to check in and say that I've FINALLY committed to a regular exercise regimen... sort of. XD

I haven't done any sort of regular, on-going exercise for the past few years. Yikes. It's always been, I dunno, maybe a hike every other weekend or so. Aquafit once a week for about a month. Yoga every now and then. For the most part, however, I never really felt that I was pushing myself (okay, except for a couple of serious hikes that left me heaving at the end). But this semester, I finally decided to get off my lazy bum and register for something that I'm now PAYING to go to. So, I pretty much have to go or else I'll feel like crap - not just for being lazy, but for wasting money. That is... a master swim class. Twice a week, only an hour long each time, but pretty intense. I was kind of peeved when I first went actually - they say you "must be able to swim four lengths", so I'm thinking "oh yeah, I can do four lengths no problem". Then I go only to find out that we're actually expected to do about a KILOMETRE of swimming (ie, 40 lengths). I don't know if I misread it or something, but either way it's a really tough work-out. I'm the most out of shape person in the class, too (although, there's only four of us) so I feel like I have the most to prove. Plus, being a naturally competitive person I can't stand to come in last... so I'm motivated to push myself far more than if I were just swimming alone. So, it's good. It's tough - my legs are shaking after each class and it takes me a while to catch my breath - but good. I feel like I'm starting to accomplish something, so I think I'm going to start regulating my weight again. Besides, once I get used to the twice-a-week classes my goal is to be fit and motivated enough to do other things as well, such as taking up yoga or biking.

Anyways, that's all I have to say for now. Just wanted to share how much better I feel about myself now that I'm committed to doing something, rather than just wasting away and gaining weight like I've been doing for the past, um, several semesters of school. XD

[SeaGlass Siren]

Hi everyone. So I've been down with the cold and I've just finished but im still coughing up phlegm . In fact I'm coughing so often and so hard I've developed a two pack. Right. And my lower region of my tuna belly has been going down because of the soups I drank while I was sick. I think as soon as I get better I'm gonna do billy banks tae Bo.

[deepblue]

My workout regiment is really suffering. I simply don't have enough to eat right now. Money is beyond tight due to some unforeseen circumstances. So I'm not eating hardly anything, and feeling like crap. I think if I worked out, it would kick my ass.

On the other hand, I weighed myself on my bf's scale and I am back to my pre-baby weight, which I am sure was achieved before this recent hungry time. My next goal, when I have enough to eat again will be my pre-pre-baby weight, but with all the muscles I want. I don't care if someone wants to be skinny, I don't- I want to be fit.

[Mermaid Sparkle]

Hi everyone! First post on this thread! I am 21, 5'6" and 150 lbs. My goal is to get down to a toned 115-120 lbs. I'm not toned at all, I've stopped working out for a number of reasons, but now I'm ready to get back into it. Exercise wise, I like to dance and swim. I haven't been able to afford ballet classes since my parents stopped paying for them when I went to college, and my apartment complex just closed down the pool for the season (stupid Colorado and its cold winters). I have asthma, which only flares up when I run or work myself too hard, but I recently got an inhaler which should help me with doing cardio.

I'm naturally very skinny. I have a pretty high metabolism (from my ballet days) but I have grown very sedentary. 150 lbs doesn't seem like a lot, but on such a tiny frame like mine, it looks like a lot more than it is, which is why I'm so unhappy with how I look right now. My hips are tiny and I have a donut of fat around my waist and thunder thighs. So my silhouette goes out around my waist, comes back in by my hips and goes back out around my thighs. It looks so so so weird, and I can't stand to look at it anymore.

I understand that weight loss is a combination of changing your food habits and adding more exercise, so that is what I am doing. I work at a breakfast restaurant, so I am constantly exposed to gravy, hashbrowns, and delicious cinnamon bread. I am working really hard to cut out all of the delicious (but fatty) foods that I have been eating. I have a huge weakness for carbs, which is the biggest battle. I'm trying to avoid eating all of the "dead" food that happens when there are mistakes. I have completely cut out soda. I try to not drink anything except for water and the occasional glass of almond milk. I am replacing my breakfast with a piece of dry wheat toast, peanut butter and some fruit. For lunch, I try to get a salad with grilled chicken and almonds and top it with a small amount of sweet sesame dressing (I know it has sugar, but it's the only dressing I like!). Dinner is where it gets iffy. I tend to snack a lot once I get home. The hope is that I can get into a habit of cooking a healthy dinner every night (or eating the leftovers from the other healthy dinners). And I need to stop buying cookie dough. I've stopped buying ice cream (thank god) due to the fact that I've recently started to experience monstrous stomach-aches after eating dairy. And, if worse comes to worse, I'll just go back to being vegan. That really helped me monitor how much food I was taking in every day.

STEP TWO. exercise.... I live 30 feet from the workout gym at my apartment complex. I just have to walk across the grass to get there. Yet, I've been there once in my three months of living here (mind you, I have been swimming once a week). Now the pool is closed, and who am I kidding? Swimming once a week is not truly working out. I am implementing a new regimen of stretching, cardio and resistance training. I really need to focus on those planks for my abs and push-ups to make my boobs perky! I don't really have a set workout, I just do different things for an hour and then head home.

Feel free to pester me and ask me how it's going. I really need to be accountable to someone other than myself, because just relying on just me is not working.

THANKS GUYS! Good luck with your body sculpting (I don't like to call it weight loss). If anyone wants to be my accountability buddy, let me know! I'll check up on you, if you check up on me!


*deepblue! go eat something! I know how much it sucks to not be able to afford food (my first year of college was rough). There are many ways to get food at a bargain! Check your grocery store's coupon's online. Or, go dumpster diving. The stores in my town purposefully separate the trash from the food for people that are in a tight spot. Try bakeries (who often throw out bread simply because it was left over), whole foods (many things are still good after their expiration date), and grocery stores. Remember to check produce for mold, and do not take any meat you find. That is a huge health hazard.
Also, check into your local food bank. See if you qualify for assistance. Some food banks have really nice stuff.
Pro-tip: the combination of rice and beans has all of the same proteins as meat does. You can eliminate your budget for meat entirely, by substituting in a portion of rice and beans.

[Lotus]

@deepblue- PLEASE take sparkles advice and go to a food bank. I've been in a really desperate financial situation more than once, and had to rely on churches and food banks to feed my family. Rice and beans is a great option because it is filling, and it is a complete protein like sparkle said. Please don't let yourself go in this most essential way. Starvation will wreck you in every single way.
@Sparklesparkle- What part of Colorado are you in??? I live in Evergreen! Yeah, it's getting pretty damn cold out for sure. I hate working out too, or at least I did, until I committed to running. I swim too of course (at Wulf rec center) but that's just kinda mermaidy play time stuff, and I mountain bike, but thanks to all the floods a lot of the trails near our house are pretty destroyed. And I have come to love running. I never ever in a million years thought I would love to run. The only reason I started was because A.) I am sick of being fat and B.) I needed the endorphin release to ease my mental health issues naturally. I've also cut all nasty, greasy fried food from my diet (which was HARD at first because I work in a Chinese restaurant) which has helped my head and my waist line. It's tough to commit to making better choices, but the reward makes it all worth it. Yesterday I put on a pair of shorts I haven't been able to pull up all the way since 2007. Amazing!!!
One weird little trick I recently learned is self-talk, and saying no. Instead of saying "I can't have desert tonight," I say "I don't eat desert,"
"I don't" is a much more final way to say no to anything than "I can't". It works when I run too- "I will run another mile," rather than "I can,"
.......of course I CAN. But now I DO. Or I Do Not. Just like Yoda said.
I'll totally bug you if you need to be poked, I want to help in any way I can. :)

[SeaGlass Siren]

GAAAAAAAsp!!!! Guyguyguygysssss!!!! I LOST 10 POUNDS?!? D8

[deepblue]

^Congratulations!!

Also- thanks, all. Didn't mean to cause worry. I'm just SO stressed out. But- my boyfriend, who I've only been with not quite a month just rescued my butt. He brought me a bunch of food for me and my daughter. And, I'm putting some things I made on Etsy.

We will get through this tight time, and then I will be working out and catching up with all of you again.

[Mermaid Sparkle]

Colorado Mers represent! I live in Fort Collins! I drive through Evergreen all the time on my way to our cabin right outside of Pine. Do you know how baldy the Platte was hit? I haven't had a chance to drive up there and see if the roads were damaged, and I don't really want to drive 3 hours to find out the creeks washed away the roads. It's happened a few times before when there were flash floods (I was a baby though).

OOH! I've started a food journal for two reasons, so I can physically see how much I eat, and also so that I can see if there are any foods that are spiking my stomache-aches. I'm thinking it's probably lactose intolerance.

I used to run, back when I was super fit. I was on my high school's dance team and cross country at the same time. My asthma never really bothered me until recently which is why it's so hard to get back into working out. Blah.

Bug me all you want! I'll bug you back if you want me to! I'm going to go work out now I think! I'm going on a BIKE RIDE!

And CONGRATS SEAGLASS!

[Lotus]

The Platte really got nailed... but down closer to the city. I think Pine is ok- it seems that side of the hill didn't get hit as hard as us. Here in Evergreen, there's a parking lot in the river, the Evergreen spillway totally flooded and destroyed the paths near the water, the walkway under the 73/74 interchange is still partially flooded, and Cactus Jacks (a very popular bar in DT Evergreen) got totally flooded and sustained really serious damage. Down below Kittredge in Lair O the Bear park, there's a half mile stretch of trail that is just- gone. The entire bank gave way and is now in the river. It's freaking crazy. If there's any roads in particular you're concerned about let me know, I have friends in Pine and Bailey who could find out.
@Seaglass- You GO!!!! That's freaking awesome!!!!

[SeaGlass Siren]

Thanks everyone :') I'm trying to maintain it now. Stomach is incredibly flat. Now I'm gonna try and get the abs I've wanted!

BILLY BANKS HERE I COME

[SeaSister]

Congrats, SeaGlass! I'm super jealous. XD

[SeaGlass Siren]

Thanks sis!

[Coradion]

Ugh I'm not feeling pretty, but I finally got back in the pool after 4 years. My routine the past few days had been to do some short cardio swims before classes a few times a week. If my old coaches saw me now they'd probably make me cry. Gotta get in super shape for my newest tail!

[PearlieMae]

Four YEARS?

[Lotus]

GO CORADIAN!!! Kick some tail! you can do it!
CONGRATS ANDREA!!! You can keep what you have and get more, work hard and don't give up.

[Coradion]

Four YEARS?

Yeah, it's been awhile. I don't swim for a team anymore and I just can't push myself the way I can with a coach.

[Mermaid Dottie]

Hey Y'all! I know that it's been ages, but you wouldn't believe the explosion of busy, time-sucking, vortexes that suddenly appeared in my life. I did get on a couple weeks ago, but didn't have time to post much after reading everything I wanted to.
BUT Last time I was on here spotted this post:

Actually that may be my problem, no muscle at all. Ive always been athletic but hated sports. I know I'm an ectomorph (google y'all) and so it's extremely hard to put on any kind of weight, including muscle. When I was working out 5x a week for about 5 months, lifting weight for 3, I gained 11lbs. Ands I lost half of it after I didn't lift for three weeks. Also, it never made any visible difference. I'm comfortable with being small now, I'd just like to gain an inch or two in my arms and 3-5 in my hips/ thighs :)
Veruliya, THANK YOU!!
I was doing the complete wrong workout for my body type! After googling ectomorph, I discovered that I'm a pure endomorph, and that I have to have a circuit workout to see any results. I've yet to adjust my diet, mainly because I haven't figured out how to do it correctly. But still! Now that I have the right workout, I've been feeling better, and I can do more.
This is the new workout I've been doing, and today I kept up the whole way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJvAQ-hrwi8
THANK YOU!

[Mermaid Dottie]

So, you remember when I posted a bunch of pictures of myself through the years? Remember the one I took while standing on the bathtub? Well, here's a side-by-side of me then and me today.
14964

Less fat everywhere. That makes me feel better about myself, to be able to see progress.

[PearlieMae]

Wonderful! Good work!

[Mermaid Dottie]

Aww, thank you dear! I'm still not where I want to be, yet, but aren't progress pictures encouraging? You can get better, if you keep at it!

[Coradion]

Great job!

[Mermaid Oshun]

Woooo! Congratulations Mermaid Dottie!

[SeaGlass Siren]

Wowzaz!! Great job!!!

[Mermaid Sparkle]

Yay! Everyone's doing so well! :)

I've been eating a lot better and a lot less since I've started my food journal. I went to work out class (resistance training) with a friend during visitor's week and it KICKED MY BUTT! I didn't realize just how badly out of shape I let myself get! I completely sprained something in the back of my right thigh the first class (limping, yay!).
But it was great to get moving and sweat! I went to a second work out class (kickboxing) to see if movement would help un-tighten my leg, and that was a poor decision. I opted not to go to any more classes so that my poor leg can heal.

I weighed myself on Monday and I was 155, today I weighted myself and I was 148. I think a large amount of it is water weight, but it just goes to show how important exercise is! I'm super re-invigorated to be moving again and I can't wait to be back on my feet and moving.

[Mermaid Syrena]

Dottie- I can really see that hourglass figure coming through. Wonderful job! *hugs*

[Lotus]

Dottie, you're looking great!!! Keep it up girl!

[deepblue]

Dottie, you look amazing. :)

[Merley]

Ugh I'm not feeling pretty, but I finally got back in the pool after 4 years. My routine the past few days had been to do some short cardio swims before classes a few times a week. If my old coaches saw me now they'd probably make me cry. Gotta get in super shape for my newest tail!

Hey Coradion, It's been quite awhile since I swam swim team style too; four years sounds about right. My coaches would be saying the same. I'm going to start running since I want to fit in my new tail. Muffin top mermaid is a no no. Gotta' fit in that Merbella tail perfectly. Any chance you want to do laps together? I can't push myself to do laps by myself. I get lazy.

[Aziara]

Well, I finally got to go swimming again Sunday. I haven't lost more than a 1/2" anywhere, and I only dropped 3 lbs, but I feel a lot firmer since I've been doing a lot of core exercises. Swimming in my monofin was actually effortless! I used to get sore in my low back and tummy after, but this time I didn't. My buoyancy also dropped so much that I can actually manage to dolphin kick without the fin without immediately floating up! But does anyone know what would strengthen my arches? My feet kept cramping up in my footpockets (which are really swimshoes, my fin is homemade).

[Mermaid Dottie]

Awwww!XD Y'all are so nice to me!

[SeaSister]

Hey all,
So, after two weeks of midterms and being really sick (resulting in FOUR missed swim classes), I really wasn't expecting to do well on my first day back, but I ended up pushing myself to do 1.6km. Yay me! :P
Also, apparently I got the honour of "Master Class Swimmer of the Month" which came with a free swimming cap. Pretty sure the reasoning behind it is "yeahhh you're kind of the slowest and weakest swimmer of the group, BUT A+ FOR EFFORT!" Lol, whatever, I got a free swim cap. XP

Oh! Aziara, I too would like to know if there's a way to strengthen my arches. Foot cramps when swimming are an absolute menace to me... I usually get it in one foot or the other at least once during an intense swim session. This is without fins, too. :/

[Coradion]

Most cramps are actually caused by dehydration, drink a lot of water in the pool. You don't always realize how much you're sweating and losing to the water via osmosis.

[SeaGlass Siren]

That's helpful. Thanks :)

[SeaSister]

Yes, thanks for the advice Coradion! I'll be sure to bring a water bottle with me to every class now, and drink plenty beforehand. :)

Had another lesson today, we worked on some serious dolphin kick ("serious" meaning training front, sides and back w/ fins as opposed to me just goofing off pretending to be a mermaid lol). Wow, what an ab workout! I forgot how much muscle the dolphin kick uses when you're actually trying to get some propulsion instead of just looking pretty haha. Also, I did butterfly stroke for the first time ever! I didn't do QUITE as badly as I had feared, but it also takes a lot of ab strength and I find it hard to coordinate kick+arms+breathing. I ended up swallowing water and coughing on it a few times because I didn't time my breath right. Anyways, I guess that's something that will come with practice. I'm excited though - I've always wanted to learn butterfly. :D

[Mermaid Dottie]

Hey guys! Me again...
I'm... um... starting to have a problem with working out.
My joints.
When I was pregnant my right knee started to pop slightly every time I went up a set of stairs. After I had the baby, everything went back to normal for a while (except my weight, of course) but when my son was about 8 months old, the popping came back. Just a little.
It stayed barely noticeable until about 3 months ago, when I started to hear it crackle every time I shifted weight onto it. Todayduring my workout, not just my knees, but my hips and shoulders all were popping every time I moved. TT.TT
I know I need to see a doctor, but I hate going, I don't have a regular family doc, and I'm going to be moving this month. And in January my Dad's company is switching insurance, and I don't know if I'll still be able to be on his plan or not.
Which means switching Doctors 3 times (because I'll be moving again in a few more months. It's complicated) in 6-ish months. DX
I'm really upset right now guys. My workouts are getting painful- in the not-fun-and-fat-burning-way.
I actually was getting teary-eyed when I realized the high knee lifts were hurting my hips. And the real kicker is that I was doing low impact cardio routines.
I'm not even 25, why is this happening to me now?
(^Sorry about that last line, I needed a half-a-moment of self-pity.)

[PearlieMae]

When you're pregnant, your body releases a hormone to let your ligaments stretch so you can push out the baby. That's why so many women claim their feet grow when they are pregnant!

Check with a doctor as soon as you can. It might just be some simple inflammation and tendonitis, which means you'll have to modify workouts, but you don't want to injure your joints before finding out and then have to stop working out altogether. Swimming is always good and forgiving on the joints!

I've had knee surgery and more joint crap than I care to think about, but I can swim and bike now and my house is at the bottom of 65 stairs! Get it checked soon... it's like a toothache, it won't get better by ignoring it!

[Dee Tal]

My goal is to be a very fit 180lbs. I've been following the 4-hour body diet (no white carbs/sugars except for one cheat day a week.) I've lost about 10lbs in a month but need to start working out. There is a gym in town that has a program where you pay only $5 a month IF you workout 3 days a week (no less). I also need to get swimming again.

[drucilla]

My goal is to get back to my pre pregnancy weight 92lbs. Right now I'm at 102lbs. I just barely started eating healthy myself but there is one thing I just can't stop doing and that's drinking coca-cola. I'm completely addicted to it but I know I need to stop so I can be healthy and have a flat tummy. I've tried weaning myself off of it, but it never works. I tried cold turkey but I have major withdrawls. Any ideas?

[PearlieMae]

Soda is such poison! Switch to flavored seltzer if you need something fizzy! I quit soda years ago and dropped twenty pounds! I also quit salt at the same time, so I think it was a combination of quitting both. 92 pounds? How tall are you? 102 is tiny!

[SeaGlass Siren]

Thankfully i'm maintaining my body weight. hovering between 115 pounds and 120. and i found out my weight is mostly water weight. :|

[drucilla]

Soda is such poison! Switch to flavored seltzer if you need something fizzy! I quit soda years ago and dropped twenty pounds! I also quit salt at the same time, so I think it was a combination of quitting both. 92 pounds? How tall are you? 102 is tiny!
I'm 5'2.5" and very short waisted, to the point that my husband cant fit one finger between the bottom of my ribs and the top of my hips :(

[Dee Tal]

Soda is such poison! Switch to flavored seltzer if you need something fizzy! I quit soda years ago and dropped twenty pounds! I also quit salt at the same time, so I think it was a combination of quitting both. 92 pounds? How tall are you? 102 is tiny!


I've been drinking mostly naturally flavored unsweetened sparkling water for about a year. It's so refreshing!

One word of warning about those cutting salt. My mother has a super restrictive diet and was convinced she was "allergic" to salt. She cut out ALL salt.. 100%. She started experiencing neurological symptoms and other symptoms of dehydration even though she drinks tons of water.... she had no electrolytes to allow the water she was ingesting to get into cells. She went to a doctor and realized that this overkill. I doubt this is common but is possible for people on very natural/restrictive diets. Moderation is key.

[drucilla]

I've been drinking mostly naturally flavored unsweetened sparkling water for about a year. It's so refreshing!

One word of warning about those cutting salt. My mother has a super restrictive diet and was convinced she was "allergic" to salt. She cut out ALL salt.. 100%. She started experiencing neurological symptoms and other symptoms of dehydration even though she drinks tons of water.... she had no electrolytes to allow the water she was ingesting to get into cells. She went to a doctor and realized that this overkill. I doubt this is common but is possible for people on very natural/restrictive diets. Moderation is key.

To me sparkling water tastes like beer. : P Good advice for salt though I'll keep that in mind.

[MermaidRanoria]

Syrena, soup cans or canned foods make great makeshift weights! You will be surprised at how little weighty you need to get toned if your are not already a body builder. Stores such as walmart cell individual weights for as low as 3 dollars I've seen.

On a side not: I totally read this thread as "Buttery God Goals" as I clicked on it. Needless to say I should probably get in on this accountability thread. lol

[Anahita]

I'm 5'2.5" and very short waisted, to the point that my husband cant fit one finger between the bottom of my ribs and the top of my hips :(

My body's like that, too. I'm incredibly short waisted/torso-ed, and barely 5ft tall. I like it though, I fit better into historical clothing because of it, and I'm sure it has something to do with how people always think I'm taller than I am (until I get up to them that is, then reality sets in, lol)

[drucilla]

My body's like that, too. I'm incredibly short waisted/torso-ed, and barely 5ft tall. I like it though, I fit better into historical clothing because of it, and I'm sure it has something to do with how people always think I'm taller than I am (until I get up to them that is, then reality sets in, lol)

Wow you like it? I'm actually thinking about getting 2 ribs removed because I hate it so much.

[Mermaid Dottie]

When you're pregnant, your body releases a hormone to let your ligaments stretch so you can push out the baby. That's why so many women claim their feet grow when they are pregnant!

Check with a doctor as soon as you can. It might just be some simple inflammation and tendonitis, which means you'll have to modify workouts, but you don't want to injure your joints before finding out and then have to stop working out altogether. Swimming is always good and forgiving on the joints!

I've had knee surgery and more joint crap than I care to think about, but I can swim and bike now and my house is at the bottom of 65 stairs! Get it checked soon... it's like a toothache, it won't get better by ignoring it!
Yeah, I have an appointment monday with an orthopedics specialist. I figured that, if I went to a family practitioner, he would just send me to a specialist, anyway, so I thought I would just save the time and the gas and go to one right off the bat. Plus I know I won't get "an educated guess" from someone who made joint care his profession. He'll actually know what he's talking about. I just hope it's nothing that will prevent me from mermaiding, and I really hope I won't need surgery.

[Anahita]

Wow you like it? I'm actually thinking about getting 2 ribs removed because I hate it so much.

Yeah. I like the antiquated body shape... I have too long everything else on me, so I guess I was bound to get shorted out on something. Besides, I fit the description of what a mermaid is in my culture better this way, which is always a win in my book. :D

[sashiyoop]

See, I'm doing a paper on how people see their own bodies. I'm perfectly fine with how I look and haven't stepped in a scale for months (and the last time was out of curiosity). I know I'm not a super thin model or anything, but I'm happy with my body where it is. I do martial arts and kickboxing, but that's more so I can defend myself and feel healthier than actually trying to lose weight (and to be honest that won't work anyways because my muscle mass has been increasing and to me it's so much better to be at 130 and be able to punch someone's lights out than be at 115 and have a flat tummy),

[TheChimera]

So is your avatar you? Because if it is.....I don't see why you would want to lose any weight. Looks perfectly fine to me haha besides, who doesn't like their guy to be a little squishy? I don't see a washboard making a very good pillow :P But I know what other people say doesn't really matter..YOU have to be happy with the way you look, so I hope things work out for you!! (:

I was wondering the same thing, you look pretty slim in your avatar, me myself would like to tame my inner thighs a tad as well as my tummy, I have started working out with my boyfriend who thinks he is overweight but I love his soft squishyness, he has a nice chest but doesn't like his tummy which has a bit of extraness which I love. it's always so soft and warm to cuddle :D

[deepblue]

So it's been a couple months since I worked out. Some of you might remember I was having trouble financially and couldn't eat enough at all. My boyfriend helped with food while I got myself out of the financial hole I was in, and now I am solvent. Which means I can start working out again. I've been eating well enough for a month now, and feel like I'm ready to get back into it. I gained back 5 pounds, which is a lot when I was two pounds past my goal of 115 and weighed 113 in mid-September (I too am tiny in build, this for me is a realistic, healthy, reasonable goal and in every way suits me, personally). I still don't own a scale, but my bf does for his fitness goals, and I step on it once every couple weeks. (I only say it's my goal because I know how much I weighed when I had the body I liked. Were I not using a scale, I'd still be unhappy with my weight gain- my clothes fit wrong.)

The nice thing was, that even with the gaining some flab back, I was able to fit into a dress that I haven't worn in ten years to my BF's company holiday party. It was nice, I couldn't fit into that for at least seven years, so even though I'm bummed about the weight gain and muscle loss, I'm stoked that I am still closer to my healthiest than I was.

I'm having a tough time getting started again. heh. Came back here to read in some motivation.

[SeaGlass Siren]

Well I'll need some more motivation. My dress I bought last year doesn't fit ... Yikes...

I need some extreme weight loss

[XMermaidMarinaX]

While I am generally small, and more petite, I really want to get in shape. I have slight ab definition, not much, but was told its more than what I see by my friends parents.. I don't know I just see it slightly. Anyway I am hoping to swim more often even if its just with a monofin. I also want to do the squat challenge and do more pushups. I hope to go from where I am now to more fit and healthier. I hope to get a punching bag soon, maybe take up martial arts or something. I'm not entirely sure though as my history with that stuff isn't too great. I'll be thinking about it. At the moment I can do a leg press of around.. 60? I think that's what it was..

[deepblue]

I did my first complete workout since October (it might have been late September, I'm not certain) this morning.

It wasn't as rough as I thought it would be. I did hit some rough spots, but it's not like starting over. Except for my triceps, I didn't seem to lose as much strength as I thought, but oh man my triceps are pointless. They're the challenge. And I am SO FREAKING happy about how open my lungs stayed.

All in all, it felt great, and I look forward to that awesome feeling of accomplishment that I had before. I need to take a couple inches off my belly and hips, and then I ought to know by the fit of my current jeans where to go from there.

Woot!

[SeaGlass Siren]

Durastic diet change. Instead of white jasmine rice im on a brown rice diet. That dress I bought a year ago fits.


Judging from my previous posts I think I shoul be worrying about the weight bouncing...

[deepblue]

Are you sure it's actual weight gain and not water weight? Some women find an all over increase during certain parts of their cycles.

[Mermaid Oshun]

16733
dead French model Isabelle Caro. i can not believe they were paying her to pose looking like that toward the end of her life. In fact the men were telling her she NEEDED TO LOSE EVEN MORE WEIGHT IF SHE WANTED TO WORK!!! :jawdrop:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJPrhJty7TM
I have decided to embrace my body and enjoy it. I think it is a crime that the fashion designer told her to lose weight when she was only 86 pounds and already dying. (2:18 on video)
Paula Abdul recently passed out at a set at 93 pounds. Women are dying to look more unattractive and be more unhealthy. I for one am rebelling against this. I was going to wait until I lost weight to do a photo shoot but I've decided to make my tail and do the photo shoot at the plus sized HEALTHY weight that I am now. I decided to appreciate myself for who i am. I hope this will help other women to try to feel better about their bodies as well.

[Aziara]

Dear God.... That poor woman. She looked like a holocaust survivor.

[Mermaid Oshun]

I know exactly what she means about feeling dead but alive and having to do everything in a wheelchair. I was recently on a 500 calorie diet and did not have enough strength to stand up and walk to the bathroom some days. I felt as if I was dying and I know it was totally unhealthy. When I lost a few pounds and stopped the diet I still felt deadly weak and could barely walk. There was nothing beneficial about losing that weight at all. I totally felt less healthy, more ill and as if I was dying even after I was off the diet. My body was telling me it NEEDS to be a little fuller for me to have enough energy to be mobile. I did not have any strength to even walk outside or stand up for more than a few minutes until I gained the weight back. So now I am back over size 14 but at least I can stand up, walk around and feel alive.

[SeaGlass Siren]

Are you sure it's actual weight gain and not water weight? Some women find an all over increase during certain parts of their cycles.

Unsure yet. But I dun like it :(

[Echidna]

I was going to wait until I lost weight to do a photo shoot but I've decided to make my tail and do the photo shoot at the plus sized HEALTHY weight that I am now. I decided to appreciate myself for who i am.

I'm glad you arrived at this conclusion!
People should realize there are all kinds of body shapes out there, and every single one that is healthy is beautiful.

Most fashion and runway models are not healthy, many are malnourished and underweight, and still get told by designers and agencies to lose even more.
I wonder what for, it's not like they'd use the real photos for magazines, they photoshop everyone in such a way they are unrecognizable anyway ><

[Mermaid Oshun]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKykPTqhjkw#t=22

[SeaGlass Siren]

I don't think a lot of us are aiming to be anorexic :s

[Echidna]

Gonna have nightmares tonight :/

16799

[Mermaid Oshun]

I bet the problem was that she bought into this silly thinking that she was fat at first. Probably didnt like her cute chubby cheeks or something. She was perfect at first!

We're all way to hard on ourselves and we're never happy with what we have. We always want more or in this case less :lol:, until we arrive at a point where we are destroying ourselves. Skinny is not necessarily better. I think we should all be the best version of who we are and not try to change into someone else.

[deepblue]

I don't think a lot of us are aiming to be anorexic :s

Not at all. It's a very serious illness. One of my oldest, dearest friends is a therapist for women with eating disorders, and a really good one- she's a survivor herself. I've seen her down to 85 pounds and I've seen her at her healthy 110 (for her height and such it is healthy for her) for years now. I've seen her go from so ill to very healthy in body and mind, and I appreciate how much she knows the difference between the unhealthy approaches of the disease working in someone or just not seeing things in a healthy manner, and those who are actually working their body toward healthier goals. I think it's hard for some people to see the difference when they've been in such dire straits themselves. People who have gone down some tough paths in their own fights sometimes see it in everyone else, be it there or not.

And so often, it's not the media causing the problem... we can all ignore the media. I was raised to not give a damn about what the media says about beauty and health, and I don't raise my daughter to put stock in it, either. We are all ultimately responsible for how we feel about ourselves, but the words of others can and do hurt sometimes, and women can be far worse to each other than any media I've ever seen. It comes from insecurity, and it's a part of the problem and not the solution.

16800


As for me, every work out is a victory. Because I've made the effort, I can run up a stair case, and still breathe! Woohoo! lol I haven't been in an ER for asthma in three years, and that feels miraculous.

I've been telling my friends who love mermaids but don't have the body they somehow think is associated with it to come here and see all the women with various body types embracing their inner mer. There is not one body type that belongs in a tail! Anyone who wants it belongs in a tail. :)

[Mermaid Oshun]

People don't initially aim to be anorexic, it just kind of sneaks up on them when they least expect it and they get sucked in little by little until BAM!... Full blown medical condition from cumulative programming.

[SeaGlass Siren]

from what i remember i dont think its programming.. it's rather like "i shalt not eat".. and i think bulimia is eating but then forcefully throwing it back up. and i dont plan on giving up my food. i love my food o-o food is the essence of life. besides water and sunlight.

i was quite fit before. fit, toned and a healthy 110lbs, but i let myself go. i mean REALLY let myself go. 125 lbs and it fluctuates, plus most of my muscle is just fat now. and that's not good. :[ wonder what happened.

[deepblue]

Like most diseases, it's a lot more complicated than just programming. One of the most common reasons people get started down that terrible path, men and women alike, is a deep, intense need for control (and even that puts it too simply) where they haven't felt they had any elsewhere, and that gets skewed- there's a common thread among many survivors that they had no control anything but what they could eat or not, and it actually has nothing to do with what they think they need to look like. There was also a common thread among a group of survivors (on a documentary about a very successful eating disorder rehab center in the UK) wherein none of them felt they had the right to 'take up space' and quite literally were getting smaller for that reason, which is also skewed and makes no sense outside the disorder. Again, it had nothing to do with perceptions of health or beauty. Even though many ana people do. It's just more complicated than one answer.

But really, this thread has rarely seen anyone exhibiting a problem with an unhealthy attitude toward fitness or weight goals. This is the better body thread, not the 'body I hate and want to make different no matter what it does to my health' thread. :) So far, for the most part, so good.

If anyone is here to sacrifice their health for a body goal, the rest of us aren't going to support that.

[deepblue]

Getting back on topic, I have to admit I did not work out yesterday or today. My plan is usually every other day. But yesterday we were told the water in the bldg would be out, so that would have meant no shower. So I thought I'd make it up today, but I needed to get some early errands done while the bank and post office were still open.

I really only like working out first thing in the morning. Tomorrow it is, then.

[SeaGlass Siren]

I swam!!!

Also the hubby says my legs are noticeably thinner

[deepblue]

Ah, I'm envious! I miss swimming. My beach downstairs is surfing only, and the nearest public pool is too far to walk. But it is the best form of exercise, it gets every muscle going, so I really wish I could integrate it into my workouts!

[SeaGlass Siren]

i went over to a friend's place cuz her pool just got cleaned and no one feels like swimming in the winter :P it was empty... VERY EMPTY.

[deepblue]

An empty pool sounds perfect to me. :)

[SeaGlass Siren]

Ok so I started controlling portions of my meal (actually eating meat the size of a deck of cards, picking brown rice instead if white rice, eating more veggies, eating fruit to satisfy sweettooth ..)


Guys I swear my skin is clearing up too!!!!

[Mermaid Ellowyn]

This is a great idea for a thread! I don't hate my body, but I am looking to lose around 60 lbs total. I'm 10 down so far, and very excited to lose more :)

I'm using a website & app called MyFitnessPal to help me. You can track your calories and nutrition, your exercises, and there's a whole social aspect to it (you can have friends, post statuses, there are groups and forums....) I highly recommend it if any of you lovelies are interested! :) If you do sign up and you'd like to be friends on there, PM me and I'll share my username :)

SeaGlass (Andrea?), that's awesome! Healthy choices have amazing effects - stuff you usually didn't even realize you were missing! Great job so far!

[SeaGlass Siren]

Thanks Harley! (any name you want :p Andrea is my real same, seaglass is my magical name)

[Echidna]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKykPTqhjkw#t=22

I just learned an extremely rare intestinal illness causes this.
There are only 3 cases known world-wide, Valeria seems to be one of them
(the other 2 victims look like her body- and skin-wise).
Also she mentioned anorexia was NOT the way she came to this.

So the video's title is wrong and misleading.

[Black Akira]

As a multiracial black woman I have a strange body shape, even though I'm losing weight from the way my spine is curved inward, I look fat or pregnant, not to meantion I'm a very tall woman, with four different skin colors.

I'm not the prettiest thing out here, I suffer from a disease known as pcos that affects the hormones and endocrine system, which makes me have male patterned hair (male patterned hair meaning hair growing everywhere on my body very thickly), a very unsightly skin disease that looks like dirt which is called ancanthosis nigericans, and other things, so yes not a very pretty mermaid at all sadly.

[SeaGlass Siren]

That's ok :) its character that counts.

[PearlieMae]

As a multiracial black woman I have a strange body shape, even though I'm losing weight from the way my spine is curved inward, I look fat or pregnant, not to meantion I'm a very tall woman, with four different skin colors.

I'm not the prettiest thing out here, I suffer from a disease known as pcos that affects the hormones and endocrine system, which makes me have male patterned hair, a very unsightly skin disease that looks like dirt which is called ancanthosis nigericans, and other things, so yes not a very pretty mermaid at all sadly.

That doesn't matter as long as you're a mermaid! :D

Have you thought of incorporating your unique looks in your mermaid persona? There are so many kinds of sea creatures out there!

[Mermaid Oshun]

As a multiracial black woman I have a strange body shape, even though I'm losing weight from the way my spine is curved inward, I look fat or pregnant, not to meantion I'm a very tall woman, with four different skin colors.

I'm not the prettiest thing out here, I suffer from a disease known as pcos that affects the hormones and endocrine system, which makes me have male patterned hair, a very unsightly skin disease that looks like dirt which is called ancanthosis nigericans, and other things, so yes not a very pretty mermaid at all sadly.
Hello Black Akira. I also am a woman of color. 1/2 Black and 1/2 Italian. I also noticed what you are referring to even among attractive women of color. I recently saw that during Merfest a merman Typhoon posted a video of a very attractive Black mermaid (not Caribbean Pearl). It was ignored and received no complements. Similarly a photo of a black mermaid who purchased a tail was posted on Sirenalia's fb and some guy responded..."I have to say this but is she sitting on the boat bc she can't swim?" Meanwhile, Sirenalia posted photos of herself sitting in a tail also and no one saw reason to create a lame joke about her.
I honestly don't know what to tell you. To deny that severe preferences exist in mermaiding based on certain intangible factors is like denying that the sky is blue. Either that or you are unaware of the realities involved and prefer to remain in lala land.
Luckily there are some things which can be done. You can purchase a lace wig for your ovarian syndrome that affects your hair. I included a photo of a merhair in one of my threads and another mermaid started a snarky thread about why anyone would wear a wig for mermaiding when all you have to do is grow your hair. Well I am doing just that and my hair is currently approaching waist length. But everyone can not so lace wigs are an option for you.
With regard to the skin issue, there are some great cover up makeups for folk with vitiligo and those who wish to cover tattoos which may be helpful for your skin condition. If you would like to talk feel free to write me.
Blessings sister

[Black Akira]

That's ok :) its character that counts.

Thank you.

[Black Akira]

Hello Black Akira. I also am a woman of color. 1/2 Black and 1/2 Italian. I also noticed what you are referring to even among attractive women of color. I recently saw that during Merfest a merman Typhoon posted a video of a very attractive Black mermaid (not Caribbean Pearl). It was ignored and received no complements. Similarly a photo of a black mermaid who purchased a tail was posted on Sirenalia's fb and some guy responded..."I have to say this but is she sitting on the boat bc she can't swim?" Meanwhile, Sirenalia posted photos of herself sitting in a tail also and no one saw reason to create a lame joke about her.
I honestly don't know what to tell you. To deny that severe preferences exist in mermaiding based on certain intangible factors is like denying that the sky is blue. Either that or you are unaware of the realities involved and prefer to remain in lala land.
Luckily there are some things which can be done. You can purchase a lace wig for your ovarian syndrome that affects your hair. I included a photo of a merhair in one of my threads and another mermaid started a snarky thread about why anyone would wear a wig for mermaiding when all you have to do is grow your hair. Well I am doing just that and my hair is currently approaching waist length. But everyone can not so lace wigs are an option for you.
With regard to the skin issue, there are some great cover up makeups for folk with vitiligo and those who wish to cover tattoos which may be helpful for your skin condition. If you would like to talk feel free to write me.
Blessings sister


I'm not in la la land, I'm very unaware of these things.

Male patterned hair I should have said that my hair on my head is unaffected as it's always grown so well, however I'm a very hairy woman shaving doesn't help.

I was wondering was there any negativity towards mers of color.

It's been a long time since I swum, however I was able to breathe underwater for some time, also holding my breath for an impressive 8 minutes.

My problem is mainly weight, hair, and skin.

I'm terribly shy as tall as I am.

So far people I've told about wanting to be a mermaid are very supportive as everyone tells me I'm very attractive.

[Mermaid Dottie]

Oh, hey! This thread!
I kinda forgot about it for a while...
I left it because I got pregnant, and you can't really work on body goals when that happens, but I got furiously sick, and spent two months pretty much just throwing up and sleeping, drinking what fluids I could. I ended up so sick that I miscarried, unfortunately. It was very sad.
Now that I have remembered that this is here, though, maybe I'll get back to it. :)

[SeaGlass Siren]

I was wondering was there any negativity towards mers of color.
.
not on this forum i dont think. we're quite open. lots of mers with many races, mixed ethnic backgrounds, and sexual orientation. outside the forum.. well.. that's a different story .__.

[Black Akira]

not on this forum i dont think. we're quite open. lots of mers with many races, mixed ethnic backgrounds, and sexual orientation. outside the forum.. well.. that's a different story .__.

Hmm I see, I really don't care what others do as long as they leave me alone.

[deepblue]

Ok so I started controlling portions of my meal (actually eating meat the size of a deck of cards, picking brown rice instead if white rice, eating more veggies, eating fruit to satisfy sweettooth ..)

Guys I swear my skin is clearing up too!!!!

Eating cleaner is the best skin treatment there is. Skin being the largest organ, and it releasing so many toxins. For me, it's eating clean and drinking lots of water that keeps my skin nice most of the time. Not right now unfortunately. My hormones are going nuts. :doh:



This is a great idea for a thread! I don't hate my body, but I am looking to lose around 60 lbs total. I'm 10 down so far, and very excited to lose more :)

I'm using a website & app called MyFitnessPal to help me. You can track your calories and nutrition, your exercises, and there's a whole social aspect to it (you can have friends, post statuses, there are groups and forums....) I highly recommend it if any of you lovelies are interested! :) If you do sign up and you'd like to be friends on there, PM me and I'll share my username :) !

I'm going to look into that again- I don't recall why, but it didn't seem that MyFitnessPal would work for me, but I'm really lacking the motivation lately.


I just learned an extremely rare intestinal illness causes this.
There are only 3 cases known world-wide, Valeria seems to be one of them
(the other 2 victims look like her body- and skin-wise).
Also she mentioned anorexia was NOT the way she came to this.

So the video's title is wrong and misleading.

THANK YOU. So appreciated.


As a multiracial black woman I have a strange body shape, even though I'm losing weight from the way my spine is curved inward, I look fat or pregnant, not to meantion I'm a very tall woman, with four different skin colors.

I'm not the prettiest thing out here, I suffer from a disease known as pcos that affects the hormones and endocrine system, which makes me have male patterned hair (male patterned hair meaning hair growing everywhere on my body very thickly), a very unsightly skin disease that looks like dirt which is called ancanthosis nigericans, and other things, so yes not a very pretty mermaid at all sadly.

Sorry to hear of the PCOS- that's a really tough thing to live with. Did your doctor/s recommend the low glycemic index diet? That isn't me trying to give advice, I'm asking because a friend of mine finally got a diagnosis of PCOS, and when she sticks to a low GI diet, it improves greatly. But the minute she comes off it, things go wonky again. I don't know how across the board it works.


That doesn't matter as long as you're a mermaid! :D

What she said! ^



I was wondering was there any negativity towards mers of color.

It's been a long time since I swum, however I was able to breathe underwater for some time, also holding my breath for an impressive 8 minutes.

So far people I've told about wanting to be a mermaid are very supportive as everyone tells me I'm very attractive.

1. Not here on the forum- I've never actually seen it and I've been here for long enough to have noticed if there was. There have been a few threads on the subject of being a mer of color, and people on the threads have discussed dealing with issues out in the world, however. Because there will always be asshats. But here on the forum... I see the most open minded, accepting group of people, generally speaking, that I've ever had the pleasure of knowing online.

2. 8 minutes! I'm envious! That's amazing.

3. Sometimes others see us as we never would. I have all sorts of hangups about a particular aspect of myself- nothing I can work on because I can't afford to have orthodontic work- but I'm still told I'm beautiful or hot or whatever often enough to make it seem like, hey maybe people aren't noticing... lol and not just by my boyfriend. haha So I figure, eh, I'll take it, and accept that others aren't noticing the flaw the way I seem to be. I in no way expect to be perfect, I just wish my teeth weren't so messed up.

My body work is really about my health- being stronger is the best, breathing well, being able to blow up a balloon for my daughter, being able to run and play with her. And I do like the way my body looks better when I'm stronger and healthier.

[SeaGlass Siren]

ooooo deepbluuuuue i was wondering whoooo!

[deepblue]

:D I finally got a name change. It matches me in other places, but it's not a mersona. That I think will come with (if I ever make) my tail. It's in the plan stage. :D

[SeaGlass Siren]

i have too many personas i want to do, but alas i cannot swim underwater properly. just dogpaddle swimming xD

[deepblue]

Read Raina's book! She started off about right there, too!

[samabell]

Moved. Keep exercising. :)

[Mermaid Ellowyn]

I hope MFP works for you now, SurlySeaNymph! It really is a fantastic way to keep accountable. Speaking of being accountable, I'm now 12+ lbs down, yay :) Hope you all are doing well too!

[Black Akira]

Eating cleaner is the best skin treatment there is. Skin being the largest organ, and it releasing so many toxins. For me, it's eating clean and drinking lots of water that keeps my skin nice most of the time. Not right now unfortunately. My hormones are going nuts. :doh:




I'm going to look into that again- I don't recall why, but it didn't seem that MyFitnessPal would work for me, but I'm really lacking the motivation lately.



THANK YOU. So appreciated.



Sorry to hear of the PCOS- that's a really tough thing to live with. Did your doctor/s recommend the low glycemic index diet? That isn't me trying to give advice, I'm asking because a friend of mine finally got a diagnosis of PCOS, and when she sticks to a low GI diet, it improves greatly. But the minute she comes off it, things go wonky again. I don't know how across the board it works.



What she said! ^




1. Not here on the forum- I've never actually seen it and I've been here for long enough to have noticed if there was. There have been a few threads on the subject of being a mer of color, and people on the threads have discussed dealing with issues out in the world, however. Because there will always be asshats. But here on the forum... I see the most open minded, accepting group of people, generally speaking, that I've ever had the pleasure of knowing online.

2. 8 minutes! I'm envious! That's amazing.

3. Sometimes others see us as we never would. I have all sorts of hangups about a particular aspect of myself- nothing I can work on because I can't afford to have orthodontic work- but I'm still told I'm beautiful or hot or whatever often enough to make it seem like, hey maybe people aren't noticing... lol and not just by my boyfriend. haha So I figure, eh, I'll take it, and accept that others aren't noticing the flaw the way I seem to be. I in no way expect to be perfect, I just wish my teeth weren't so messed up.

My body work is really about my health- being stronger is the best, breathing well, being able to blow up a balloon for my daughter, being able to run and play with her. And I do like the way my body looks better when I'm stronger and healthier.


Yes I've been on a diet and it's working a little too well, now I'm melting out of my clothes.

[SeaGlass Siren]

^ is a wee but jealous of you. Just a wee bit. Isn't it bad to drop a large amount of weight in a short period?

[Black Akira]

^ is a wee but jealous of you. Just a wee bit. Isn't it bad to drop a large amount of weight in a short period?

I was under a great deal of stress, I was layed off my job and bills need to be paid.

Also I didn't have much of an appetite and at one time didn't eat anything for 4 full days under so much stress then 2 extra days after that, and having to work for an evil supervisor who happens to be my aunt by marriage I had to get out of there.

Sigh also how I feel around this handsome tall hunk of a man, 6 foot 8 to be exact.

I do hope my rent will be paid though.

Sorry for getting a little off topic there.

But it really helped me when I didn't eat alot of sugar, ate plenty of meat and drank TONS of water.

[SeaGlass Siren]

oh gosh i'm sorry akira :( :hugs:

[deepblue]

Yeah, I've been on those life-imposed 'diets' and they suck. I actually gained weight because I wasn't eating enough calories to work out, but because of the sudden halt in physical activity, metabolism went wonky and I gained.

My usual lifestyle is pretty healthy. But I've been having horrid migraines almost constantly. I can only guess as to why. But it's just bad. So I will get to working out when I can. And away from pixels for now.

[MermaidHyli]

I've been stalking this thread for awhile and I suppose I should add in my work out, but first a bit of history.

So fun fact some of you may or may not know, I was born without a thyroid. I know a lot of people have too much or too little thyroid well I have none, zip, zero. I've been on medication since I was three days old.If I'm off it for a few days I get very weak and sick. If I go weeks or months well I just cease to exist. Growing up it was VERY hard to get weight to stay on me. Enter child hood bullying for being too skinny. Not many people ever hear about the other side of the spectrum. But I'm here to say it sucks. People are people and they will act as such. In my case I was called twig or kids would literally blow on me to see if I would fall over -.- I could go on but you get the point. At the age of 14,weighing 60 pounds, I was entered into the hospital to have calories pumped into me because although I was eating literally pounds of food every day, it wasn't enough to keep up with my metabolism. By high school I was able to get my medication level and finally hit 100 pounds by my senior year. In college I actually started to hit puberty and so my body decided to put on weight, I even got up to 130 pounds. For me that was something I was not used too, not saying I thought I was fat it was just very different. I had a very major tragedy hit my family in my sophomore year so I dropped weight and was back down to about 90 pounds. Its been a very tough 23 years for me. I can never seem to get my weight to where I want it and also get the nutrients and exercise I need. On top of all of that I also have a ridiculous amount of allergies such as shellfish, dairy, variety of fruits and veggies, and now gluten. Any time I eat it literally causes me the worst pain ever. I sit in a ball for a few hours and let it pass. I'm faced with this decision every time I need to eat. I've learned to cook for myself and that has helped a lot but when we go out with friends or events its either eat and be in pain or don't and be grouchy then every one thinks I'm anorexic. Its sucked I'm not going to lie. Now fast forward to present day.

I've changed my diet to the Paleo diet (people have their different opinions this one works for me, also I get most of my meat from my parents farm so I know where it has come from) It has really really really improved my whole being. Its been two weeks and I can see the biggest change in my body and in my attitude. I'm able to eat healthy, work out, and maintain my weight. This is something I thought I could never achieve but slowly its coming around. I may never have the curves or the rear end but I'm happy with my body. Sure its hard at times and especially when it comes to my allergies but its so worth it! Just thought I would share my experience and encourage others that it can be done :)

[SeaGlass Siren]

looking forward to having before an after pictures. i think i'm getting thinner :)

[Aziara]

I've been stalking this thread for awhile and I suppose I should add in my work out, but first a bit of history.

So fun fact some of you may or may not know, I was born without a thyroid. I know a lot of people have too much or too little thyroid well I have none, zip, zero. I've been on medication since I was three days old.If I'm off it for a few days I get very weak and sick. If I go weeks or months well I just cease to exist. Growing up it was VERY hard to get weight to stay on me. Enter child hood bullying for being too skinny. Not many people ever hear about the other side of the spectrum. But I'm here to say it sucks. People are people and they will act as such. In my case I was called twig or kids would literally blow on me to see if I would fall over -.- I could go on but you get the point. At the age of 14,weighing 60 pounds, I was entered into the hospital to have calories pumped into me because although I was eating literally pounds of food every day, it wasn't enough to keep up with my metabolism. By high school I was able to get my medication level and finally hit 100 pounds by my senior year. In college I actually started to hit puberty and so my body decided to put on weight, I even got up to 130 pounds. For me that was something I was not used too, not saying I thought I was fat it was just very different. I had a very major tragedy hit my family in my sophomore year so I dropped weight and was back down to about 90 pounds. Its been a very tough 23 years for me. I can never seem to get my weight to where I want it and also get the nutrients and exercise I need. On top of all of that I also have a ridiculous amount of allergies such as shellfish, dairy, variety of fruits and veggies, and now gluten. Any time I eat it literally causes me the worst pain ever. I sit in a ball for a few hours and let it pass. I'm faced with this decision every time I need to eat. I've learned to cook for myself and that has helped a lot but when we go out with friends or events its either eat and be in pain or don't and be grouchy then every one thinks I'm anorexic. Its sucked I'm not going to lie. Now fast forward to present day.

I've changed my diet to the Paleo diet (people have their different opinions this one works for me, also I get most of my meat from my parents farm so I know where it has come from) It has really really really improved my whole being. Its been two weeks and I can see the biggest change in my body and in my attitude. I'm able to eat healthy, work out, and maintain my weight. This is something I thought I could never achieve but slowly its coming around. I may never have the curves or the rear end but I'm happy with my body. Sure its hard at times and especially when it comes to my allergies but its so worth it! Just thought I would share my experience and encourage others that it can be done :)
Wow, Hyli, I really feel for you. I'm so glad you found a diet that works for you. As someone who struggles with allergies too, I totally get the whole 'eating out' struggle.

[deepblue]

I was allergic to fruits, veggies and nuts most of my life. I figured out why, and approached it with a method to change my body's reactions, but my doctors would have smacked me around if they'd known what I was doing. Still- the allergies are enzyme-based, I believe, and when I don't eat enough raw veg and fruits, they come right back. It's a constant matter of maintenance. I so understand.


Being susceptible to migraines is so ridiculous at times. The feckin' tap water here was doing it. I do get them with extreme barometric pressure changes and hormone fluctuations. I get them from dehydration and some food sensitivities, but at least those can be easy to avoid, I drink lots of water and I've been cooking for myself for a long time. But this time, it was the tap water. I really hate the way the tap water here tastes- it's known to have a high amount of minerals and bothers a lot of peoples' digestive systems. But for money's sake, I'd decided to sacrifice my filter refill just this last month, and use lemon juice to mask the taste.&nbsp; Big mistake. The three days I used water from a filtered water refill station, I had no migraine. One day, migraine free, I used a little tap water to take my vitamin D (doc's orders, I have osteopenia in one foot from steroid medications for asthma when I was in Portland for two years), and I got a migraine within minutes. The rest of the day I used filtered, and have since, and the migraines are gone again.

Holy cow. I'm the canary in the coalmine, people.

Anyway, migraine-free means I was able to work out again. This morning I did a full workout, and it felt damn good. It's going to hurt tomorrow, but those are victory pains. lol My tricep presses sucked. My pushups are pathetic. And my abs seem to have weakened the most. I am going to get back to where I was, though. My clothes still fit, just not how I want them to.<br><br>My bf and I have both lost muscle and not worked out as much since meeting each other. We both want to get back to where we were. And then make progress again.

[SeaGlass Siren]

^ ouch .___.

[Meshy]

I thought I'd share my success with everyone, I'm new to the forum and to "being" a mermaid (though since I saw The Little Mermaid in theaters at the age of 7, I always wanted to be a mermaid and will collect anything mermaid, and my family still teases me that I already am a mermaid with all the Ariel things I have!) Anyway, a few years after high school (I was fit and skinny back then), I got married, moved, my lifestyle changed, I exercised less (didn't play soccer anymore like I did in HS), didn't work a job that required tons of energy from me anymore, but still ate crappy. Almost 10 years later I'm almost at 200Lbs (about 90kg). I had to finally get off my lazy butt.

Last March I stared Medifast. It's worked for me. I've lost 47.8Lbs (about 21.5kg) so far. I've had people tell me it's fantastic, I've also had people tell me it's the worst thing I could do. (as you eat their food 5 times a day, then 1 meal on your own, basically only veggies and protein are allowed, no fruit, and even certain veggies) It's really worked, I never feel hungry, and I'll lose weight slowly, so no flabby skin or surgeries. I still have under 20Lbs (about 9kg) to lose to hit my goal. The total I need to lose is 62.4Lbs (about 28kg).

My weight was a big reason I wouldn't get a tail. I knew they were being made, and were very gorgeous, but didn't want to be the "whale" mermaid. (Body issues, since I had been skinny growing up and was now the fat one among friends & family.) Or they couldn't be found in my size. Even though I've still got some "blubber" (it's still the winter!) I figured swimming would be a fun way to continue to lose the weight I need to lose. My big goal would be that once I hit my goal and maintain it for a year, I splurge and finally get a silicone tail. Until then, cloth tails for me since I can always take them in!

[Mermaid Jaffa]

I can't run 10 steps without feeling that I'm going to pass out! None of my size 12 clothes fit anymore, since finding out I'm now a size 14, I started going to the pool once a week. This Sunday would be my 2nd time at the pool. Last week I did 7 laps of the 50 metre pool, I was so proud of myself, even though I took breaks in between! And it didn't feel as bad as when I'm trying to run the same distance. I wasn't out of breath, wasn't sticky, stinky, sweaty, my feet didn't hurt etc. Have decided to keep going to the pool and slow walking exercises around the block. Will do during winter too as it is an indoor pool and heated.

[Mermaid Lilium]

Golden Pearl, if you don't want to be a twig, for gods sake don't be a twig! The only reason the waif look got popular is - and you'll laugh - because smaller measurements means saving money in material costs in runway shows. Sounds like bunk to me. As for why a woman would want to be muscular, I work out like a man because, otherwise, my genes would cause me to be overweight. Also i just really enjoy weightlifting and the Michaelangelesque figure it gives me. I have some friends who can just do cardio, or nothing, and be a good weight. I'm not one of them. Thankfully I haven't lost my curves and won't. Be careful eating only salads. Eating too few calories will actually cause you to gain weight, ironically :)

as for the two models...they both look on the underweight side to me, but if I had to choose, it'd be the left.

old quote I know but when you're making a dress out of real silk chiffon... that stuff is so fucking expensive, it's like £50 a meter (so like $80 a meter) at least! So it does make a little sense especially for young indie designers ;) But tbh it's usually more that the designers prefer taller, slender models with very small curves because of the way the fabric falls. I don't agree that it should be exclusively that size but I also want to say, that in the same way we shouldn't shame people for being big (I'm 226lb), we shouldn't shame people for being thin either. Many of those models train hard to keep fit and eat like a pig and never put fat on because their body doesn't let them. I totally believe that we should celebrate people no matter what shape or size they are.

I am aiming to get back in the pool and start doing T25 once my dissertation is in on the 11th X_x so please harrass me if I don't stand by these intentions lol

[deepblue]

One reason I love being in a regular workout mode is that I don't need to worry at all about eating whatever the heck I want. My body stays the same as long as I eat healthy and workout. Anything extra doesn't really effect me. I do find I get dirty looks and stupid comments about being a 'skinny bitch' from people I'm going to assume are jealous, but I figure that just means they have some personal shit to work on.

Also, if I'm a surly one, it's not because I'm fit or not. It just means someone poked the mermaid at the wrong time. :p

[deepblue]

Yesterday, I woke up without a headache. So I had a great workout, and I can really feel it today.

But today is another migraine day. I'm just hoping I'm not in for another week of this. I really feel good when I'm working out all the time, and I really can't when I'm down with a migraine.

[SeaGlass Siren]

ouch surly :( feel better!!

i think i'm actually getting muscle in my arms. i usually dont lift heavy items but today i lifted quite a lot... and i set up my own bookshelf :D

[deepblue]

Thanks, I'm actually doing better. Been waking up with small migraines but they're not as bad so I get to work out. However, the gas in my entire building is shut off! For nearly a week! No hot water, no stove. It's a problem because I can't take a shower after I workout. I might find a solution, but for now... gah.

And now I'm going to collapse. Busy day, woke too early, dealt with the gas company people pounding pipes outside my window all day. Good night!

[SeaGlass Siren]

What about those portable electric stoves?

[deepblue]

A friend of mine is letting me borrow a microwave for a while, which will help.

Really, though, I'm bummed about my workouts. Without the shower, it's just not going to happen.

[Kishiko]

Okay so I'm just going to post my goal and everything here for motivation(:

weight: between 108 and 112
goal: 90–92
fitness goals: flatten and tighten my stomach, and tone my thighs and legs

for about the last 8 months I've been putting on weight and I always comment on how I hate the way my body looks. SoI finally decided it was time to stop sitting around and start doing something about it! I'm going to be changing my diet as well as exercising more! I am starting the 30 day squat challenge and also the plank challenge. I ran a mile today and I'm going to start running as much as possible! I want to look great in my tail when it's finished!!!

What are some tips you guys have found helpful?

[deepblue]

Good on you! Making that decision is a healthy thing to do. I don't get my friends who complain and complain about their bodies but then get defensive if someone even suggests they do something about it.

Tips? Consistency. Start off at an easy pace. One of the biggest mistakes people getting into fitness make is to jump in too gung-ho, they power through a whole huge workout or too much exercise too fast, then they either lose interest or end up hurting so bad they can't motivate themselves to get going again.

It's best to start off slower, find what works for you, plan a realistic schedule coupled with a way of eating that works for your health, and be consistent. Then add more as you build strength and start working toward your goals. :)

[Kishiko]

Thanks Surly, I'll definitely keep that in mind! I hate looking like I have any fat on me, because I was a gymnast for almost 7 years. I had a lot of personal things happen and sadly I had to quit and I kind of let myself go after that. I was up at 4:30 every morning and my dad and I would go to the gym before I had to go to school and I was in fantastic shape! I did red hot yoga twice a week, and I swear by it. It's harder now to motivate myself to workout because we moved to a very small town with no gym and we have limited equipment at home. I'm sure many people here know it's much easier to motivate yourself at a gym rather than at home where you can be lazy :P

[SeaGlass Siren]

Actually I don't go to the gym. I'm a germaphobe :p I work out at home.

Wirh that said, I'm now 112pounds instead of 120 :D

[Kishiko]

Wow, that's awesome SeaGlass!!!

[SeaGlass Siren]

thanks kishiko.

[deepblue]

Actually I don't go to the gym. I'm a germaphobe :p I work out at home.

ha! I was about to write EXACYLY those words.

Also, congrats, that is the best feeling to be where you know you are at your best.

I work out to a DVD. The sporadic inconsistency of my workouts is not helping me but at least I got my eating habits back to where I want to be.

[SeaGlass Siren]

Mine is pretty sporadic too but I found a way to work out while at work. Workception!