My starting weight was around 116-119 pounds. Been dieting and exercising for 5 weeks, I'm down to 112 pounds, give or take a few for water weight fluctuation. My routine is a healthy diet (around 1400 cal) with swimming, power-walking, and nautilus weights twice per week. I walk 5-10 miles three times per week at my job also, but that is exercise that my body has adapted to, so I'm not sure how much it counts. I do know that when I'm on vacation, the pounds pile on quickly, so I'm sure the activity keeps my metabolism going. With weights, I focus mostly on ab crunches (70 pound weights), back extensions, and exercises that work my glutes/legs. I can actually feel the muscles in my belly again, and my legs are getting stronger, firmer. I still have a ways to go, as far as muscle strengthening goes, but I'm almost to goal with "fat loss." I didn't have a ton to lose, but enough that made me want to do something about it.

Before pics:
[pics removed due to someone posting them on a PORN site.]

To tell you the truth, I thought you were fine in the first pic. In fact, I thought you were a little too lean because your ribs are showing in the before pics. I don't ned to lose anymore weight and I think you're fine like this but muscle toning would benefit you as it would almost everyone.

What is your height?

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Uh... jk

Thanks mreik!

g8r80, my ribs may show no matter what I weigh, that doesn't mean I don't have fat to lose. Everybody carries their body fat in different areas. Women tend to gain weight in the abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks. I don't really hear many women saying, "if only I could lose this weight in my ribs!" My problem areas were my midsection and thighs, so those are the areas I concentrate on with toning. There is no such thing as "spot reduction" so one can only work on losing fat "overall." I went from a healthy size 6 to an out-of-shape size 9 in the last 5 months, so it was either buy a new wardrobe, or get healthier. I chose the latter.

These jeans are a size 7. I couldn't fit my butt into these a month ago, but as you can see... they fit quite nicely now. I'm quite fond of curves, I think they're glorious. I don't intend to lose them. Just toning up some atrophied muscle, and working on a bit of extra body fat. It will take time to regain complete muscle tone and strength, but it's a work in progress. (If the butt stays the way it is, you won't hear me complain!)

Dont change a thing.

Looks like you've made some excellent progress! Right on. I'd agree that it doesn't look like there's too much pooch left. There's no PC way to put this, but uh, your ass is hot.

Recommend: rejoicing.

Okay, I was worried that you were getting too thin, but a size 9 is not too thin. A starting weight of 116# does not seem overweight unless you are less than 5'5", but a size 9 is definitely not anorexic. My wife is 5'7", 130# and wears a size 6 or 7.

Again, you look great and you fill out those jeans quite nicely! I am fond of curves too.

Excellent progress well done.

THANK YOU, Focus!! And thanks everyone else too!

g8r80, it's okay, I hear that a lot, on here AND in real life. I had to wear a size 9 to accommodate my expanding midsection. If I didn't have so much fat over my hips/belly/butt, I could easily wear a size 4. The rest of my body is very thin. Even in real life, no one believes what size I wear. I hide my problem areas very well, so no one can tell until I wear less clothing. I could easily show you guys an overview of my problem areas, but it wouldn't be appropriate on a predominantly MALE forum. haha

I'm just glad that I'm seeing results, and I look and FEEL better. What I'm doing differently this time, is paying more attention to my nutrition. I log everything into "the daily plate" (dieting website) so every calorie is counted. I'm taking vitamin supplements, herbal supplements for my immune system, watching my carbs, and aiming for more protein. Before I would just count my calories and exercise, then give up when I got to the weight I wanted, or give up when I felt sick. I still get sick when my body is stressed, but instead of taking 3 months off, I take 3 days off, then I'm back in the gym. I'm more disciplined this time. My biggest weakness is carbs. Cupcakes. French fries. Frisco melts. Mmmm. lol (whoever said I wouldn't miss fattening food LIED!) Every day is a struggle to make the right choices. I do cave in once in a while, but I walk or swim 30 min longer to make up for it.

I'm excited to focus more on weight training now, so I will let you all know how that goes. I can't expect miracles because it's hard to build much muscle on an ectomorph frame, but if nothing else, I should end up feeling stronger and more firm.

Neuro, u look great in both pics! but, i can relate to how u feel. i too am very small framed. i went from being 103-105 lbs to around 110 lbs and when u r small boned, it feels horrible with the weight gain. i too slacked off with working out and watching my diet. and believe it or not i stopped taking birth control pills because my hair was shedding so much, and now that's how i put on a couple more lbs. i can't really understand it. sometimes i feel like the pill balanced me out hormonally and it felt good, minus the hair shedding. but with me too, the weight is around my midsection and can be uncomfortable especially when you're not used to it being there. i recently just started up with working out again and watching my diet too. i can see a difference in your pics. good luck and keep up the good work.

is "the daily plate" a free website to calculate calories?? i haven't heard of that one. i was using fitday but it's not that accurate and kind of frustrates me.

Yes, it's free! You should definitely try it. I am discouraged from cheating because I don't like to see, "You were ___ calories OVER your recommended daily caloric intake for this day." It helps keep me focused. You can track your weight, your exercise, everything. It's a great place to start!

And thank you about my progress. Keep us posted about your progress as well! Good luck!

Thanks Neuro!

Great job and dedication.

My god you have an amazing body.
If you feel you still have to lose, then go for it...but keep some of that gorgeous mid section

looking good