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Home >> Diet Forums >> My BEFORE pictures and goals for the challenge

My BEFORE pictures and goals for the challenge

Heather said: "Please don't take this the wrong way, but I don't see where 20 pounds is going to come from?"

cvalh said: "yay for animals. I used to ride horses, it's been years, sadness. But, two summers ago, I worked in a zoo. One of the best experiences of my life. I wish I was still doing that, to some degree."

cvalh said: "A 12 in Australia was a size 8/10 in the US in the 1990's... It's probably more like a 6/8 now, as American sizes have ballooned in the last decade. A 6/8 is a great size to be, and an 8/10 isn't bad either. In fact, I'd love to be a size 12 (even when I was in the best shape of my life, I was a 13 because of my big ole hips)."

UniqueMystique said: "Well...I'm in agreement with everyone else....you look amazing! Just keep doing the little things that you're doing and I'm sure you'll see the results that you're after. I also agree that the EX was a moron. He'll look back and kick himself someday and maybe, just maybe you'll be in a position to just stick your tongue out at him and say "Dumbass!" Hehehe!"

spectrachic311 said: "Ah, that's the problem...she didn't measure your body fat right at all! To get an accurate reading, you have to use a calipers or you can use an electrical impedence device. To be even more accurate, you can get weighed under water, but that's sort of expensive. I use the caliper method, myself. And yeah, fat doesn't "turn into" muscle. You can burn fat and gain muscle, but one doesn't turn into the other. It sounds like you are well on your way, fitness-wise...do you lift heavy weights? Lifting heavy weights will give you results so much faster than lifting the little pink Barbie-doll weights. (And contrary to popular myth, you WILL NOT GET HUGE if you lift heavy weights. Unless you take testosterone or steroids, your muscles will only get to be a certain size before they stop getting bigger). How do you like the RPM class? I've always kind of wanted to try it, but I thought it would be lame. Do they make it fun? Just curious...I know a lot of people that do it and say it's pretty tough. I love biking....If I could swim better I'd totally do a triathlon. I'm not too crazy about stationary biking though...I'd rather bike to and from places. :)"

spectrachic311 said: "So you're about 5'5 1/2" and 130 lbs? Wow, that's not fat at all, but I'm curious as to how they measured your body fat percentage? I mean, even when I was 130 lbs, I was only 22% fat or so...and I'm only 5'3"! If you lost 20 lbs, you'd seriously look SKINNY. And trust me, I know how annoying it is to hear people telling you "Oh, you don't need to lose weight". The thing is, you may need to re-evaluate your goals. How's your cardiovascular endurance? I'm thinking you may be "skinny fat", meaning you have very little muscle mass and a lot of fat. Have you considered weight training? If you go from 130 to say 125 by gaining about 10 lbs of muscle and losing 15 lbs of fat, you'd be in a LOT better shape and your metabolism would be really high. And yeah, I definitely think our sizes are really different here. I think you'd probably only wear like a size 6-8 here."

spectrachic311 said: "Coming from both sides of the scale here: I used to wear a size 16-18 at my heaviest and when I was doing the marathon last October, I got very slim...103-104 lbs and a size 0. I can tell you that every body is different and what may look good on one person may not look right on another. How tall are you? You certainly don't look like a 12, but your sizes may be different than ours. And your body fat % isn't actually all that bad. You could stand to get down to about 22-24%, which is in the normal range for women that aren't hardcore athletes. You could maybe even get down to about 19-20%, but I highly doubt you'd need to lose 20 lbs to do that! Fat is very light compared to muscle. If you lost 20 lbs of muscle and fat, you'd probably be bigger than if you were to lose 10 lbs of just fat. Get it? I guess what I'm saying is don't go by scales. Keep checking your body fat % and your clothing size and aim for something realistic. I wish you the best of luck in reaching your goals. BTW....I agree, your ex was an idiot. He said you were "genetically inferior"? I happen to think you're really pretty. Don't let one guy's opinion ruin your view of yourself. And yes, llamas are very sweet animals! My friend's family has a llama farm. They raise them for wool (it's incredibly soft, light, and warm) and they're great pack animals. They can carry a lot more than you'd think. And yes, trust lakelady and me: You NEVER want to smell a skunk!! They are so nasty. I used to work at a vet clinic and a guy brought in his dog that had gotten sprayed and it just about knocked us over, it smelled SO BAD!! We had to bathe it in special "de-skunking" shampoo three times to get the smell out. I wish we had koalas here...they look so cute! We have possums, but they aren't that cute. They kind of look like big rats. Around us, we have raccoons that come and raid our trash, squirrels, rabbits, bats (bats are great! They eat all kinds of mosquitoes), skunks, coyotes, and lots of deer. Our deer hunting season just ended, actually. My husband's uncle and brother go out every year and I think they got a doe and a buck this year. Maybe we'll get some venison steaks out of it."

shine said: "I just love it when people start talking about animals.....my very favorite subject!! We have 6 dogs, 8 cats, and 2 potbellied pigs. The puppy in my avatar is our newest - Bodhi, our Newfoundland. He is only 5 months old and already weighs over 60 pounds.....we expect him to end up around 150-170! We also live in an area with lots of wildlife. We have 6 acres in western Maryland, surrounded by another 150 acres of woods.....we have about a dozen deer in our yard every day, lots of wild turkeys (foul tempered beasts, they are), and lots of black bears. We can't put bird feeders out in the spring and summer because of the bears...have to put our garbage in bear-proof containers, etc. They are adorable, and actually pretty docile, but they will come up on your deck and even try to get in your house for food! Yikes! LOL! We also see foxes, possums, raccoons, and TONS of bats. Occasionally we hear a coyote, and last year we had a bobcat in the yard (I found it's tracks and thought 'WTF is that?!?!?!'....it's paws were so big!)"

Kat_the_Amazon said: "I guess what i was leaning to is that it is natural for a woman to have curves. Today's society (esp. in america.. although i know you are not american) is leaning towards women that are very slim. Women tend to forget that we are meant to have volumptous bodies.. And i'm not trying to offend you or anything like that, so please don't take it the wrong way! I just really believe in a woman's body.. I don't even think i am making sense!:roll: If you are tall you usually will be a bigger size than others. A size 12 may be good for some, but bad for others. And yeah, that's my horse! Well, used to be my horse.. He's a lesson horse now.. retired from showing. I still ride him when he's not being used.. so that he can buck and take off and have a little fun ;). He's a 26 year old OTTB (off the track thoroughbred). He is my baby :)"

Kat_the_Amazon said: "I saw your comment about the size 12.. That really isn't bad. Size 10 is my perfect size because of my height and bone structure. Size 12 looks mighty darn good on me too. When i was those two sizes, i would have flocks of guys (of course, i didn't realize it then) checking me out and trying to get my number. Also about those girls at the office- tell 'em to f-off! LoL, really though.. guys usually like a women with curves because women should have curves! It is always better to get heathy and happy!"

thintowin said: "Well, you must work with a bunch of Nicole Richie's then.... or sticks. And anyone telling you that you need to lose weight needs thier head examined. If you lost 20 lbs you would be well below the healthy weight for your height, I am sure of it. A reasonable goal for you might be to get a little more toned. (I can't tell by your pics if you are already or not) Or to maintain your weight, or to be more healthy."

thintowin said: "I agree.... There is no way you need to lose 20 lbs."

klynnfosh said: "Michelle, I too encourgage you but you really do look great! And I agree with Lakelady your ex was and idiot! I think you are a very beautiful girl and I don't know where you ever got the idea you were less than average. As to your size, just because everyone else is a stick thin does not mean you have to, find an ideal body weight for yourself based on BMI, or body fat percentages and go by that. How tall are you and how much do you weigh? You are right that some people in size 12, which I am and they are tight right now need to lose weight, and others a size 12 is fine on. I personally look better in a 9 or so, but haven't been there in about 12 years. I wish you the best on the challenge, but remember you don't have to fit an image for anyone to like you it they don't like you the way that you are they are not true friends."

mini said: ""WHY?" do you need to lose 20 pounds? Did someone tell u that ure overweight? Please calculate your BMI and determine your weight loss target. Dont mess with your body. As per my understanding, you perhaps have some problem areas [you know them best]...work on them. Aim "healthy" not "insect thin". Good Luck! -Mini"

angel_rising said: "You look great now and in my opion you do not need to lose weight, but if you feel you want to shed a few more pounds and tone up, I am behind you 100% Good Luck on the challange Angel:th_angelsmiley4:"

angel_rising said: "The two of you are adorable:th_dblthumb2: I am going to have to agree that I don't see a place for you to lose 20 pounds. You look great. Angel:th_angelsmiley4:"

help6363 said: "Hello ALL Thanks for the responses:) spectrachic311: Thanks for the information on % of body fat. :) Very interesting! I LOVE RPM - I know it sounds boring but they mix up the class and you stand up (well get out of the seat and keep riding), adjust your bike and even imagine that you are racing in a competition! It's so much fun. Give it a try - it's GREAT! Also, the weights... yes heavy weights.... do 12 reps (3 sets of each). I always sweat when I do them and it took me along time to learn when to breathe and how to breathe when doing weights. I started off 2 years ago doing weights and I really do enjoy doing them. shine: Your puppy is really cute. He's gonna be a very big dog! The wildlife around your area sounds great!! I am so jealous!!! I am going to the zoo in 3 weeks. I will take some pictures and post them on here for you to have a look at! In the meantime, check out the picture of the bird below. They are really nice looking birds... well I think so anyway! Have a great day! Cheers Michelle:wave: [ATTACH]206[/ATTACH]"

help6363 said: "Hello Thanks for the information on sizes: differences in Australia and America. It's strange that our sizes differ. Well, I find it strange anyway... I know what you mean about big hips... I wear a size 10 top and size 12 bottom .... really wish I did not have those 'child bearing hips!' spectrachic311: I do weight training x3 per week and I love it!!! :) In regards to cardiovascular, I do exercise classes at the gym x5 per week. I usually do RPM (it's the bike riding class). I have just finished doing 3 months of boot camp x3 per morning. When I was doing that I still did cardio classes on the mornings that I did not go to boot camp and I still did weights. I have been doing weights since I started my weight loss journey. She measure my % of body fat by using a tape measure. Although she tried to inform me that fat turns to muscle. I think this is not true and impossible! However, I did not say anything! Thanks - have a great day! Cheers Michelle :wave:"

help6363 said: "Hello I am 167 cm tall, weigh 59.5 kg (130 pounds) and my percentage of body fat is 28. The woman who did my assessment at the gym told me that was a realistic goal for weightloss (lose 10-15 kg). I am going to do some research into this whole body % thing - I am NOT saying you are wrong! I am just saying that I did not have all the facts when I walked into the gym and had my assessment done - I am guilty of being a misinformed consumer - seems like you need a degree in weight loss to be able to talk to some of these so-called weightloss professionals! Thanks for the information you have given me about body fat %!:) Are our sizes different in Australia compared to America? Have a great day! Cheers Michelle :wave:"

help6363 said: "Thanks fallen_angel - I really do appericate that! :) :) How's your father and baby going? Lakelady - that's sad about your neighbour's ducklings. Can she put them in a cage that the eagles cannot get to? I was walking my dog the other day and a chicken hawk tried to pick him up. I'm assuming it was a chicken hawk because that is what people were saying it was. At the time, I was screaming and shouting, 'don't hurt my baby!' People came running... and kept asking where the baby was ... when it was over I was REALLY embrassed. I think that I'll find another place to walk my dog - eekkk! I did not know that chicken hawks would do that! My dog is okay Have a great day! Cheers Michelle :)"

help6363 said: "Hello Lakelady :) Geese .... they can be scary... we were chased by them at the park! What do you do when they chase the dogs?? A skunk... how exciting. It sounds beautiful.... you are very lucky!!! ... and you have horses?? I once went to go horseriding with a friend but I was too afraid, so I sat in the car. She had a great time. They are big creatures, aren't they? I love animals but I am always fearful around them. I really love dogs and have just adopted one from the local pound, well got him 2 weeks ago. When I first got him, he did not bark and hardly moved, now he is really lively and barks all the time... the poor neighbours! He is a small dog but he has a huge personality. I took him to dog training but the woman was so stict with him... I did not like that... so I am not taking him anymore. Have a great day! Cheers Michelle :wave:"

help6363 said: "Hello Lakelady....:) The bats really do sound interesting. I knew that possums are marsupials but I did NOT know that they were North America's ONLY marsupial. Yes, that is pretty interesting! What's your favourite animal? Ducks and dogs are my two favourite animals. Kat_The _Amazon....:) Thanks for your reply.... PLEASE do not get offended, tell me that I am too harsh or whatever.... you stated what guys like in a woman.... I know this will probably sound horrible but I really do not care what guys like. The comment about what to say to my co-workers was funny .... but I do not think that I will ever be that brave! I just cannot understand why everyone is not being supportive, as I stated I am size 12.... there are people who wear smaller sizes on this site and everyone is supporting them losing weight! Thanks for your reply... Oh.... Kate .... is that your horse in the picture? If so, that is one BIG HORSE! Have a great day! Cheers Michelle :wave:"

help6363 said: "Hello Lakelady This is the biggest animal I have ever patted... and I was scared!!!!:dazed052: I think horses are incredible but I think it's even more incredible that people are not fearful of them. Do you have to be strict with them? Have a good day! Michelle :wave: [ATTACH]201[/ATTACH]"

help6363 said: "Hello Lakelady The lama did not spit at me but he was very demanding... he kept pushing against the fence because I had food...lamas are beautiful animals. That's pretty exciting that your cousin raises them. What are they used for? Aren't the bats and possums amazing to watch? No, I have never smelt a skunk or seen one! Have a great day! Cheers Michelle :wave:"

help6363 said: "Hello:) Thanks for your concern... please do not take this the wrong way ...but you really do NOT need to be concerned. :) I am a size 12 - bigger than other people on this site!!! They are losing weight and everyone is encouraging them - I do NOT feel this is FAIR!!!!! Midnight - I have answered your questions below. I hope that your wife's father is going better and that your son is well... I do remeber your family in my prayers. How is your wife's new job? Questions answered 1. I eat 1,200 calories per day. I use the healthy food pyramind as a guide for how much of should eat of each particular food 2. I do cardio (RPM class) five times a week 3. Weight train three times a week 4. I am in my healthy weight range - no where near the lowest 5. I am staying healthy. I do not starve myself or anything. It has taken me approximately 2 years to get to this weight. I did weigh 98kg (I think that's 215 pounds) when I first started. I have adjusted my calorie intake along the way. Hence, I did not start at 1,200. 6. My body fat percentage is 28 - done at a gym. Hence, it is still quite high 7. I am just sick of being given diets and always being the big person. I really do not like being teased and I hate it when people make these remarks ... it's the only way to stop it!!! Have a great day! Cheers Michelle :wave:"

help6363 said: "Hello Lakelady :) Koalas.... The koala was so gentle. When the lady passed him to me he put out his little arms out and clung to me. They are so soft and they do not smell bad at all! He weighted approximately 8 kgs - so after 45 minutes of holding him I was glad to give him back. At that particular park, they let you hold the koalas for as long as you want. I also bottle fed another koala that was really young. It was a great exprience. It's a great park because all the animals are just running around and there you are just walking around in their space. The only problem was that we were chased by emus, ducks .... but it is funny when I look back. We were chased by emus because we brought some food to feed the animals. The food needs to be purchased at reception. The emus became a bit excited about the food and when it was finished were demanding more... so in the end we ran... how brave LOL! We orginally went to the park to see if we could have a picture taken with the wombats. However, the lady said they are very aggressive creatures and even chase the people who enter their cages to feed them. Hence, we did not get to have a picture taken with the wombats :( Have a great day! Cheers Michelle :wave:"

help6363 said: "no I was not holding the koala whilst I was on the scale... hehehehe.... I know it was a joke, Lakelady .... very funny!! :roll: I AM going to lose this weight because I am sick of people giving me diet advice and telling me that I am TOO big. I am the biggest person in my office... Have a great day Cheers Michelle :wave:"

help6363 said: "I do NOT really think the way to motivate me is to tell me that I do not need to lose weight. Have a great day! Cheers Michelle :wave:"

help6363 said: "Hello ALL :) I just wanted to show you all my BEFORE pictures. My goals: - loss 10-15kgs (that's 22- 33 pounds) Probably will not be able to do this in three months. Eeeekkk ... I have no make-up on in the second picture SORRY LOL :) Cheers Michelle :wave: [ATTACH]199[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]200[/ATTACH]"

lakelady said: "Bats ARE amazing to watch, they hang out over the lake and eat mosquitos at night. There's a lot of people who are afraid of them though. The possum aren't all that much fun to watch, they just kind of waddle around and hang out on low tree branches, exept in the spring, they carry their babies around on their tails! that's pretty cute. LLamas, I don't know that they're used for anything here. There's llama shows. Are they good for wool? I have an alpaca wool coat. Isn't an alpaca a kind of llama? I don't know. I remember in elementary school social studies about llamas being used as pack animals in the Andes. All I know for sure is that they SPIT!:roll: p.s help, did you know that opossums are marsupials like kangaroo? They are north america's ONLY marsupial. Kinda interesting.:)"

lakelady said: "I don't know, michelle, it seems kinda cruel to pen ducks up within a few yards of a lake with geese swimmming free on it, I think anyway!"

lakelady said: "Well.help, obviously my favorite animals are horses, but it's funny that you mentioned ducks. I had three pet ducks when i was a little girl, I won them at a fair when they were just ducklings. I took them home and named them sweety-pie, honeybunch, and sugar. (oh shut up, I was 5) They followed me to school once and went quacking up the halls looking for me. had to pen them up while school was on after that! Still have a soft spot for ducks, there's one lady on the lake who keeps trying to keep pet ducks but there's an eagle that nests somewhere around here (not sure where) that keeps killing and eating them. It breaks her heart every time (not to mention the neighborhood kids) so I wish she'd just give up. That eagle's got enough to eat without her raising tame food for it!:sad010:"

lakelady said: "My cousin raises llamas. She says they're nice. yeah, well, they SPIT on me! They have gorgeous eyes though, As for the dogs and the geese, we pretty much just laugh at the dogs. You're from australia. Obviously you've never smelled a skunkor you would call it something other than 'exciting'!!!! Horses, do you have to be strict with them?, well, they're like kids, every one is different and you have to know them to know if strict will work."

lakelady said: "yeah, michelle, we have geese on the lake and they chase the dogs all the time! We also have racoons (which are NOT cute and cuddly like in the disney movies), cranes, bats, possum, and a skunk! I'm jealous of your koalas!"

lakelady said: "I just wanna know how it feels to hold a koala, Is it as precious as it looks? Did they have to fight you for it when it was time to put it down?!:shoot:"

lakelady said: "Don't think we ARE trying to motivate you to lose weight. The camera always adds some pounds, so you're probably even more slender in person! We're trying to motivate you to stay healthy! Were you hloding the Koala when you were on the scale? That might be the problem:roll:"

lakelady said: "But you're adorable!, I Don't see any place to lose 20 pounds, unless you put down the Koala! What drop-dead gorgeous eyes you have! Your ex was an IDIOT!!!!!!!"