wow bytsi, the changes are incredible~~~ just incredible~~ I agree with celeste--looks like way more than 13 pounds, which means you have put on some serious muscle since those first pics.
Sorry I missed you on Saturday. I also see a BIG difference, B. You have done a great job and the fact that you finished is a feat, in itself! Nice work, Lady!
__________________
Ginger
"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start." ~ John Bingham
I just got a chance to watch your karate video - holy crap! I can see how grueling that would be and how easy to have a lot of aches and pains after all those take-downs. You look so strong throwing all those men on the ground - I love it! Congratulations.
First, since Karla isn't keeping her own log anymore --
HAPPY 45th BDAY KARLA!!!
May the next 45 be even better than the first 45 - if you keep improving like this, you're going to be the most ripped 90-year-old posing in a bikini that anyone's ever seen
Quote:
Originally Posted by Karen411
Bytsi, congratulations on passing! I think your pics this month look fine. They are a clear change from August and you can still see the definition in back and shoulders that was there last month. I'm sorry the scale is still messing with you .
Thanks Karen. I guess I was just hoping for more... I kinda had this hope that I'd hit my goal and lose the last 5# in November (which is nuts, seeing how I've never come CLOSE to that rate of loss)... sigh...
Quote:
Originally Posted by foodfromafar
x2, Bytsi! You can clearly see your shoulder definition and your back looks fantastic and your thighs are noticeably smoother. Your stomach area is smaller as well. If you're like me, the stomach is the last to go. Overall, good job!
Thanks Pauline. Sometimes I think that the more I lose, the bigger my stomach looks in comparison...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Celestialmom
x3! I am still flabbergasted that there is only a 13# difference between that first picture and this last one! You really have shown marked improvement during this challenge. Great great great job!
Thanks Celeste
Quote:
Originally Posted by jenofthemountain
x4! Even though the scale hasn't been your friend, you look a lot better... you have lost a lot of fat over the challenge and since the first pic... so I would defiently say a pic (or two or three) says a thousand words.
Thanks Jen. I guess I am glad for pics - I wish the changes were more (especially the last month) but... I do see changes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by fengshway
wow bytsi, the changes are incredible~~~ just incredible~~ I agree with celeste--looks like way more than 13 pounds, which means you have put on some serious muscle since those first pics.
Thanks Wendy. I am stronger, so I'll agree that I've added muscle (or trained my fat to be really strong ).
Quote:
Originally Posted by realcdn
I'm with everyone else. There's huge differences for only 13 pounds. You look fantastic, so don't sweat a couple of pounds - the pics look great.
Thanks Anne. That means a lot coming from you (as I know you are always VERY honest and don't sugarcoat things).
Quote:
Originally Posted by GinnyLou
Sorry I missed you on Saturday. I also see a BIG difference, B. You have done a great job and the fact that you finished is a feat, in itself! Nice work, Lady!
I'm SO bummed that we didn't get to meet - next time we will . Thanks for the encouragement.
Quote:
Originally Posted by LWilson212
Hi Bytsi-
I just got a chance to watch your karate video - holy crap! I can see how grueling that would be and how easy to have a lot of aches and pains after all those take-downs. You look so strong throwing all those men on the ground - I love it! Congratulations.
Thanks Leah
Are you still doing your martial arts, or has that fallen away with the contest prep?
So... as usual, the scale hates me. Back to 140. Whatever.
I'm deciding if I should take a maintenance month (stop pressuring myself, since I seem to be maintaining anyway ) and then start fresh with a deficit January 1. OR should I just keep on keeping on, plugging away... with just a few "cheat" meals/days thrown in. I dunno. I'm weighing (no pun intended) the pros and cons in my head. This is 100% a diet decision - my workouts will continue either way. I'll "announce" my decision once I figure it all out...
Yesterday - no workout at all. And it helped, cuz my cold seems like it MIGHT be fading away a bit today. Did do some shopping (gave my Amex card a good workout) and then I started wrapping gifts last night (at least the ones that are at the house - some are mail-ordered or not bought yet). I needed to get 'em out of my closet so I could reach my clothes!
I ended up shopping all 3 days this weekend (lotsa NEAT), got a LOT bought, and most of the holiday stuff is done or at least decided what I'm going to buy - except my Dad - he's IMPOSSIBLE to buy for! He has everything or else buys it for himself when he sees it.
Today - lifting planned, hoping to feel like myself and do the 4x4 workout that I've been putting off, then karate tonight if the doc isn't running late for the kid's checkups...
Congrats on passing your test!!!
And I think you look great in this month's pictures ... you are making steady progress ... don't let the scale fuck with your head!!!! Especially since you know that TDP messed you up for part of the time!!!
__________________
Life's a Journey ... Enjoy the Ride!
Congrats on passing your test!!!
And I think you look great in this month's pictures ... you are making steady progress ... don't let the scale fuck with your head!!!! Especially since you know that TDP messed you up for part of the time!!!
Thanks Julie - you're right... I know...
Today's workout: Power Training Stage 4 B1 (FINALLY!)
Bilateral Knee Dominant - Front Squats - 4x 45#, 4x65#, 4x85#, 4x85# (wow, were my wrists screaming by the 4th set!)
Bytsi, great job on your progress this challenge! The changes in the pics tell the story. Nice shoulder definition on that side view! Congratulations on sticking with it and finishing the challenge.
LOL! I really thought I'd be at 10 by now... but for the co-ed challenge, I have another couple of weeks, right?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chloe2
Bytsi, great job on your progress this challenge! The changes in the pics tell the story. Nice shoulder definition on that side view! Congratulations on sticking with it and finishing the challenge.
Thanks Chloe!
So... went to karate last night, came home and cooked some food for tonight (since I have to work til 8)... and then I lost it. I fell into a huge bag of blue-corn chips (blame H for bringing trigger foods into the house) and I ate and ate and stuffed my face... Can we call this a carb refeed?
I have been debating needing a diet break, mentally... and I think this is another sign that I do need one. I am going to try to sit down and look at my schedule and plans and really figure out the best time in December to take that break (NOT just dive into it because I lost control last night)... but I think I need a few days (a week) of not feeling like I'm restricting - it's getting old and I'm getting cranky and burned out on ALWAYS restricting or feeling guilty when I do give in.
I need a break from my own harsh guilt... even if it doesn't jump-start the weight loss, I am getting too frustrated and angry at myself lately.
Girl, I'm so behind, so I skimmed but I want to say nice work on the challenge. You look fantastic and the body recomp is truly inspiring.
Also, I think you should consider taking the month after you read Intuitive Eating. Now, I have gained a little bit - like half a pound - but I have stopped bingeing and I'm finally back to craving healthy food. I have no interest in inhaling chips or fries or chocolate or the myriad of other trigger foods I have. It is so hard to let go, but you let go, you inhale, you deal, you get over it. It's really amazing. You have the knowledge and healthy diet sensibilities in place now, so I think you could do it in a month like I did. I think people who don't know what they should eat and shouldn't and who were eating without thinking will take much much longer, but that's not you anymore.
All I have to say is that I'm over it. Sure I have cravings and such, but there's a ton of stuff that I would have dove on in a second and then fretted over because I was on a "diet" (that wasn't working!). I don't even feel compelled to have dessert after dinner anymore. I was eating something every day for awhile, but now it's meh.
Okay so I have to say... Looking at the pics for the challenge that you are the clearn winner in my eye. I don't see anyone that made as significant changes (weight to LBM) as you. Look at the back shots. You look like a different person. In the first shot you are all blocky and look like an overweight person. In the Dec shot you are trending towards a skinny person build. You, "my dear" are culking no doubt! Awesome and way to go!
I am jealous.
BTW: I agree with Jessica... I went through the same thing.
__________________
The BIGGER I get the smaller you look
Well December would be a good time for a break! That way you can enjoy some of the great holiday food without feeling too guilty!
Exactly my thought... I'm leaning towards a break sometime that includes 12/13, as that's the night we're doing our annual "break the bank" dinner with one of my H's business partners and his W. We go once a year to an amazingly expensive restaurant, so why not make sure I live it up, guilt free...
Quote:
Originally Posted by jesca
Girl, I'm so behind, so I skimmed but I want to say nice work on the challenge. You look fantastic and the body recomp is truly inspiring.
Also, I think you should consider taking the month after you read Intuitive Eating. Now, I have gained a little bit - like half a pound - but I have stopped bingeing and I'm finally back to craving healthy food. I have no interest in inhaling chips or fries or chocolate or the myriad of other trigger foods I have. It is so hard to let go, but you let go, you inhale, you deal, you get over it. It's really amazing. You have the knowledge and healthy diet sensibilities in place now, so I think you could do it in a month like I did. I think people who don't know what they should eat and shouldn't and who were eating without thinking will take much much longer, but that's not you anymore.
All I have to say is that I'm over it. Sure I have cravings and such, but there's a ton of stuff that I would have dove on in a second and then fretted over because I was on a "diet" (that wasn't working!). I don't even feel compelled to have dessert after dinner anymore. I was eating something every day for awhile, but now it's meh.
Anyhow, something else to think about
Thanks Jes, for the compliment and advice... I know Espi and others have mentioned that book before, and I've not yet taken their advice. Perhaps I need to read it, and see what I can gain from it. I'll pick up a copy.
Quote:
Originally Posted by stingo
After seeing your posts all over the boards, I figured I'd look in and see what was happening in your log. Nice work here - keep it up.
Thanks for stopping in Tom
Quote:
Originally Posted by kfisherx
Okay so I have to say... Looking at the pics for the challenge that you are the clearn winner in my eye. I don't see anyone that made as significant changes (weight to LBM) as you. Look at the back shots. You look like a different person. In the first shot you are all blocky and look like an overweight person. In the Dec shot you are trending towards a skinny person build. You, "my dear" are culking no doubt! Awesome and way to go!
I am jealous.
BTW: I agree with Jessica... I went through the same thing.
Thanks Karla... crap... do NOT make me get teary-eyed at work. My self-doubt is pretty high this week, as is my frustration level, and your words mean more than I can say, especially today. Thanks.
Gotta get back to work, but quick workout report:
30 min treadmill - 15 min run/walk intervals, 15 min incline walk at 7 degrees. HR 65-75%
Bytsi, I was pondering my weight loss journey earlier and also thinking of your success...if I were you I would be frustrated also. I love seeing the scale move quickly after a short stall and WHOOSH! I am several pounds lighter. You see very little movement and every tenth of a pound is HARD work for you. But I've been feeling frustrated in my own way because it seems I'm losing lbm as quickly as fat, and I DON'T want to lose all that hard-earned muscle! I think Karla is right (who woulda guessed!)--you ARE culking. So you might not be losing that much WEIGHT but the fat and inches are melting off. Your body looks completely different from the first pics, and very changed even in the months of this challenge. Anyway, this isn't just to encourage you (though I hope it does)--I think you are really doing something right. It's just the delayed gratification that stinks!!! Again, YOU LOOK GREAT and you're STRONG and yes, you're taking on that lean athletic look, for sure!
WOWZA...I missed a bit here...then I came back and there's another woman wearing your bikini...but she still has your rack...
Your re-comp looks amazing...I totally agree with Karla...winner here!!! If I didn't know how much the amount lost was I would have guessed a higher number for sure.
As for the diet break, you will make the right choice, maintaining for a bit and enjoying yourself may be the best way for you. You've been so good and so on top of it for so long...you're due! Either way...keep up the good work!!!
Bytsi, I was pondering my weight loss journey earlier and also thinking of your success...if I were you I would be frustrated also. I love seeing the scale move quickly after a short stall and WHOOSH! I am several pounds lighter. You see very little movement and every tenth of a pound is HARD work for you. But I've been feeling frustrated in my own way because it seems I'm losing lbm as quickly as fat, and I DON'T want to lose all that hard-earned muscle! I think Karla is right (who woulda guessed!)--you ARE culking. So you might not be losing that much WEIGHT but the fat and inches are melting off. Your body looks completely different from the first pics, and very changed even in the months of this challenge. Anyway, this isn't just to encourage you (though I hope it does)--I think you are really doing something right. It's just the delayed gratification that stinks!!! Again, YOU LOOK GREAT and you're STRONG and yes, you're taking on that lean athletic look, for sure!
Thank you Celeste. You're right - it IS frustrating... maybe I'm culking and had no idea... I know all the reasons not to listen to the scale, but it just seems like it should move more than it does, considering how much it feels like I'm working. My diet isn't 100% compliant, but it is pretty close... You have made SUCH great progress though - don't be frustrated - you are VERY strong!!!
It's hard to see our own pics objectively - I can see the most change in the back picture... I hate the back-fat rolls, and they are less now. I also have always felt that I carry my fat in my stomach, and that's still there. I do know I am stronger and I love that... Athletic - me? Kinda cool...
Quote:
Originally Posted by sidonia
WOWZA...I missed a bit here...then I came back and there's another woman wearing your bikini...but she still has your rack...
Your re-comp looks amazing...I totally agree with Karla...winner here!!! If I didn't know how much the amount lost was I would have guessed a higher number for sure.
As for the diet break, you will make the right choice, maintaining for a bit and enjoying yourself may be the best way for you. You've been so good and so on top of it for so long...you're due! Either way...keep up the good work!!!
ROTFL... OMG Kristen, I LOL'd reading that first part!!! My H would cry if "the girls" shrunk... Thank you for the vote of confidence and encouragement.
Stayed on program better last night. We had a "healthy dessert" thing at work, and I ate only one tiny bite of one cookie (about thumb-sized) - and there were TONS of cookies and desserts. At home, I wasn't going to eat more, but I was SO hungry - stomach-growling hungry - so instead of the blue-corn chips (which were VERY tempting), I weighed a serving of oatmeal with skim milk. Filling and calorie-controlled and some nutrition too...
I will be about one bowl of oatmeal over in calories for the day, but that's better than the (mumble mumble cough mumble) calories I was over yesterday with the damn chips.
H was a sweetie, stopped at Borders on the way home and picked up "Intuitive Eating" for me. I read the beginning - I absolutely fit the first category (controlled eater, I think?). Describes me to a "T" - eat healthy, carefully consider and control what goes in my body, special requests at restaurants, could be seen as very into health and fitness - but forgot how to let go and enjoy food and not be guilty even when I'm supposed to be on a break.
More reading tonight... oh - and probably karate tonight too.
bytsi, gotta weigh in here with the rest - not sure i've ever seen a 13 pound loss look as good on anyone else! i know every pound has been a struggle for you, but you are really looking good - hang in there!!
bytsi, gotta weigh in here with the rest - not sure i've ever seen a 13 pound loss look as good on anyone else! i know every pound has been a struggle for you, but you are really looking good - hang in there!!
Thanks Karen - the support I get here means the world to me.
Quote:
Originally Posted by beach_plums
You're recomp is remarkable! I know how frustrating the scale is, but you're looking great and should be really proud of the work you've done!
Thanks Christina... onward and... onward...
Scale is stalled, even could say it's up a bit, but I've had a tough week, emotionally. Just the frustration is getting to me and I'm not being 100% compliant while I decide where to go from here. I'm not officially on a break this week, but I haven't been as strict with food as I usually am, so I suspect I'm eating close to maintenance (the scale sure thinks so). 140.5 today... just hovering in that 140-ish range... bleh.
I think being in limbo at work isn't helping my mood either. I think that one way or the other, I will be done around Jan 1, although I have no solid new job leads. We should have a little more staff here (one back from maternity and possibly a new hire too), and even though that's our busy season, I think I will have most of my stuff wrapped up by then. I am actually looking forward to a break - I haven't taken any real vacation time (more than an occasional 4-day weekend) since LAST December .
Still reading Intuitive Eating... lotsa thinking about where I want to go with my relationship with food... can I track forever, can I be an intermittent (maintenance) tracker, can I ever learn to trust my body after it let me get fat more than once?
Workout-wise, I'm a little bored and really looking forward to the "itch" program once I get through the last 4 power training workouts. I may do other Power Training modules in the future, but I need a change. I REALLY wish I had a program like the one Ginger was briefly doing - that looked like so much fun, but I have no idea where to find anything like it around here. Maybe I'll take the boot camp class at the gym (which would fit in well with the 21-day-itch program anyway) or something like that...
Maybe the short days and lack of sun is getting to me... Vacation (real one - in the sun) isn't til February... at least one is coming up to look forward to.
It definitely sounds like you need to decompress a bit...so much is going on right now...keep thinking of the vacation in February...maybe a mini spa day for you in the meantime???
I'm late, but congrats on passing your test. From that clip, you were doing great. (And you didn't slap CR back when it was your turn.) If that's you when you're not breathing well, I'm scared of you when you've got your wind! And if the spirit award isn't for doing amazingly well under arduous -- e.g., not being able to breathe and getting slapped by big crazy guys -- conditions, then I don't know what it's for. Senseis/masters are funny like that...
And your pics: wow, look at those shoulders popping!
Bytsi, it sounds like we're in the same funk. I can't seem to get control of myself right now either. I don't know what's up, but I just have no energy and my job isn't helping either. All I can say is just consider your options and wait for one of them to strike you. That's the only thing that works for me. If I try to persuade myself to do one thing or another, I just internally rebel.
I think I know how you feel (a little). Part of me is just tired of it all. I'm planning a week off (starting Sunday) but there's a part of me that thinks I should just coast until January. I've been slacking on the exercise, and I'd like to get that back under control, however, I'm afraid with too much time off that I'll slip back into bad habits. Although, there's little in the house that will tempt me, and with few exceptions I bet I won't go out much during my break. So, I'm thinking a week at higher calories, and then just an attempt to eat like a normal person (ie. no planning/tracking). Who knows what I'll do, but I think a break sounds like a good idea for you.
Bytsi ... as someone who can totally relate ... plan and take your week off. Week off from EVERYTHING!! Diet, structured workouts, any "have to"s. Plan to take several baths. Go get a mani/pedi. Get a massage (even if it is only a 10-minute chair massage). Do at least 3 "somethings for YOU". Not only will it help mentally, but it is sure to help physically. And it will get you in the right mood for the holiday!!
__________________
Life's a Journey ... Enjoy the Ride!
It definitely sounds like you need to decompress a bit...so much is going on right now...keep thinking of the vacation in February...maybe a mini spa day for you in the meantime???
Spa day... I wish I could... sigh...
Quote:
Originally Posted by ledove
I'm late, but congrats on passing your test. From that clip, you were doing great. (And you didn't slap CR back when it was your turn.) If that's you when you're not breathing well, I'm scared of you when you've got your wind! And if the spirit award isn't for doing amazingly well under arduous -- e.g., not being able to breathe and getting slapped by big crazy guys -- conditions, then I don't know what it's for. Senseis/masters are funny like that...
And your pics: wow, look at those shoulders popping!
Thanks Leslie - I had fun at sparring last night - I "accidentally" kicked CR in the groin... oopsie!
Quote:
Originally Posted by jesca
Bytsi, it sounds like we're in the same funk. I can't seem to get control of myself right now either. I don't know what's up, but I just have no energy and my job isn't helping either. All I can say is just consider your options and wait for one of them to strike you. That's the only thing that works for me. If I try to persuade myself to do one thing or another, I just internally rebel.
I'm still reading, researching... I won't commit to some new plan til I'm sure it's what I want to do. So for now, holding on with my current plan (although eating a little bit higher cals, not always on purpose). I won't try Intuitive Eating or any other plan til I finish the book (should be soon).
Quote:
Originally Posted by realcdn
I think I know how you feel (a little). Part of me is just tired of it all. I'm planning a week off (starting Sunday) but there's a part of me that thinks I should just coast until January. I've been slacking on the exercise, and I'd like to get that back under control, however, I'm afraid with too much time off that I'll slip back into bad habits. Although, there's little in the house that will tempt me, and with few exceptions I bet I won't go out much during my break. So, I'm thinking a week at higher calories, and then just an attempt to eat like a normal person (ie. no planning/tracking). Who knows what I'll do, but I think a break sounds like a good idea for you.
It does get tiring, doesn't it? Yet, like you, I'm afraid of slipping back into habits that lead to weight gain... What is normal, anyway?
Quote:
Originally Posted by UConnJulie
Bytsi ... as someone who can totally relate ... plan and take your week off. Week off from EVERYTHING!! Diet, structured workouts, any "have to"s. Plan to take several baths. Go get a mani/pedi. Get a massage (even if it is only a 10-minute chair massage). Do at least 3 "somethings for YOU". Not only will it help mentally, but it is sure to help physically. And it will get you in the right mood for the holiday!!
Thanks Julie... I did a diet and workout break last time, but I don't want to do them together this time. The workouts, while a bit boring at the moment, aren't getting to me. It's the food. I'm not due for a workout break anyway, so I'm doing a diet break. I think starting Sunday, but maybe tomorrow (depending on how the food is at DH's stupid holiday party tomorrow night that I don't wanna go to). If the food at the party sucks, I'm not gonna bother eating much of it...
Back later (I hope) to post this morning's lifting.
! I think your pics this month look fine. They are a clear change from August and you can still see the definition in back and shoulders that was there last month. I'm sorry the scale is still messing with you 
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