Boyfriend has the engagement ring! - trying to get in shape

[Miriam_Adelaide]

My MIL is on a MUFA (monounsaturated fat) diet. MUFAs are supposed to help target weight loss from the stomach area specifically, I guess. You can find MUFAs in plant fats, such as olives, avocados, and nuts. If you google it you can find more info.

Thanks for the great tidbit! My stomach is my main problem area so I will definitely look into this. I know that people who tend to be more stessed tend to have more belly fat (which is totally me). There is so much out there that shows belly fat can be dangerous and cause so many medical problems and since I am prone I really want to get into the habit of eating well/exercising to keep it in check.
Thanks again!

 

[Miriam_Adelaide]

Congrats on the ring!

I just wanted to point out that at 5’5" and 135# your BMI is only 22, with the normal range for adults 20-25. In other words, you don’t need to lose weight and it may be unhealthy (and perhaps an exercise in futility) to try. (Check out nhlbisupport.com/bmi/ )

On the other hand, there’s no harm in exercise to tone up your midsection.

Perhaps you were a lot younger when you weighed 125#?

Thank you - I haven’t seen the ring yet - I just know he has it!! So of course I am dying to see it - I had NO idea. I have been ready for him to ask me for ages but he never gave clues. We kind of/a little bit/briefly talked about the kind of rings I liked (and I think I volunteered my ring size) but I totaly didn’t think he was paying attention!! So I really am still in shock! And it is sooooo hard not to ask him!!

As far as BMI - I know I am in the healthy range already. But I am not in the shape I would like to be. (Don’t worry I promise I am not obsessed!) I would just like to tone, increase strength and endurance and feel more energetic, while losing the extra poundage. I was 125 lbs about 6 months ago when I was much healthier with my eating choices.

 

[Island_Oak]

First~Congrats…nice of you to want to work at being in great shape for your wedding!

We all have our figure flaws/challenges. For me there is nothing more magical to losing weight than reducing calories consumed. Period.

Easiest way to do this: stop eating after about 4pm. You don’t need calories @ the end of the day…unless you want them to stay with you. Eat your biggest meal in the morning, modestly for lunch and avoid dinner. For me this allows me to pretty much eat what I want during the day~without going crazy obviously~but also without counting every calorie or microanalyzing every bite that went in my mouth.

Good luck!!

 

[musicality]

Thanks so much! In the past when I did lots of cardio my arms and legs got skinny and my stomach did a little but mostly stayed the same. With Pilates hopefully my stomach will get more toned? Also, I feel like I lose a lot of muscle mass when I do lots of cardio - does this happen to you?

No exercise is going to truly guarantee fat loss in a specific area–they can only guarantee muscle growth in specific areas. Everyone loses weight in different areas, but if it is there, it will eventually start to come off if you work at it. Just remember that the biggest thing is that you need to burn more calories than you are consuming to lose that weight.

Honestly, if your gym has a certified nutritionist who can help you pair a healthy diet with whatever workout you choose, that will probably be your best bet! Also, don’t be afraid to consult a medical professional!

Finally, it’s going to take a lot of patience, but if you work at it, you absolutely will see results! Good luck!