Posts by rhondalf

I am at the same frustrating point of trying to lose the last three pounds to get to the magic number of 125 lbs, and I'm 5'7 and 30.  I also averaged 1500 calories a day and run 4-5x a week burning over 500 calories per run (I have a heart rate monitor, so I know this is accurate). My body fat percentage is also about 21%.

I finally decided to increase my daily average intake to 1800 calories and on days I do long runs (8+ miles) to eat at least 2000 calories.  My body is reacting quite well to these changes and seems willing to let go of that extra weight instead of holding onto the calories.

The hard part is figuring out how to add healthy calories instead of chowing on a cookie or brownie to fill the gap.  I added a boiled egg to breakfast and started to drink a protein shake before or after my run.  You might want to consider some of these changes too.

Try running.  As crazy as it sounds, I've heard that it tends to break down muscle, which is why most running athletes have scrawny legs.  Running has transformed me because I tend to gain in my butt and thighs, which is also the hardest area to lose weight from.  Since I started running the inches have melted off and I feel spectacular.

I'm the same way, I have a tiny waist but huge thighs.  They say that belly fat is a lot easier to lose than weight bellow the waist . . .

I've been running and that has helped a lot, I read somewhere that running actually breaks down the muscles in your legs.

Hey that's really great!  I started my MBA and gained 10 pounds and have been working my butt off (literally) since New Year's to get back down to my "normal" size.  I've lost 9 pounds so far, one more to go for my first goal and about 5 more for my ultimate goal.  I tell you what though, my period throws me off because I just want to eat everything! I really love eating and try to do the same - eat what I love in smaller portions. 

Great job!

Original Post by bobs9895:

No, unfortunately it doesn't work that way though many of us wish it did!  Basically your body will lose weight how it wants.  Generally if you add weight in your hips and thighs first, for example, then that will be the last place for it to come off.

 Not always true, I gain ONLY in butt and tighs so naturally that's where I'm losing those extra pounds.

I didn't go to the gyn until I was 26 and was forced to if I wanted to join the Peace Corps and I didn't have any problems.  In Japan, you are not required to visit the gyn until you are 30, want birth control, or get pregnant.  I wouldn't worry about it too much at this time in your life.

As for your period, it will probably be painful and unpredictable for the first several years.  I used to cramp up so bad I just wanted to lay in a fetal position.  Be sure to drink lots of water to help with the bloating and DON'T overdose on painkillers like tylenol or advil - try alternating them.  Also try raspberry tea, it has been used since the ancient days to help with cramping.  Traditional Medicinals is a really good brand for herbal teas (I use them for everything from the common cold to relieving constipation).  If you still can't function, talk to your regular family doctor - he'll be able to give you a prescription for the pain that won't make your stomach bleed (I took advil with  codeine for several years). 

The weight gain is normal and among us here at CC, the most hated aspect (aside from cramping).  It will go away with your period unless you are like me and want to stuff your face with everything in sight during that time.  I will usually stall in my weight loss during my period and the week before and as soon as it ends I drop a few pounds right away.

I'm a MBA student that has no time to cook so Lean Cuisine is a life saver for me and I never have to guess how many calories are in the meal.  As for common complaints:

High in sodium: cut back on your salt intake in other meals and drink plenty of water.

Cooking is better and healthier: true, but if you don't have time to cook you still have to eat something and LC is much better than taco bell.

They don't fill you up:  I thought so too, until I started eating 5-6 mini meals a day (only one is a lean cuisine) that keeps me full all the time.

They have a lot of preservatives: if you are really worried about this, try Amy's frozen dishes instead.  They're also delicious, albeit more expensive because of the all-natural ingredients.