Me a little over a year ago, and me now

[ariastar]

Maybe this will seem self-centered to post, but I saw some pics in comparison that make me feel pretty damned good in the end, and just wanted to share with some of my favorite people (this is my favorite place to visit online, even more than Digg, LJ, and so on).

A little over a year ago:
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/whateverpictures/_SC01596.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/whateverpictures/Picture123.jpg

Five days ago at Burning Man (was it really that long ago already?!):
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o72/theyear2007/BURNING%20MAN/September%201%20Saturday/DSC08906.jpg

Not too much of a difference. :) Only they don't seem to be of the same person! Weigh loss (about 80 or so, 50 of it in the last three months, AFTER any of you here who have met me in person last saw me), hair back to normal red, my complexion did a 180 and got nice...

I love my eyes, but hate my nose. If I keep going at this rate, I should be gorgeous by next summer! That's some good motivation.

[...]

You look very lovely, AriaStar. I think you have a beautiful nose. Thanks for sharing your before and after pictures, and keep doing what you are doing... :)

[ariastar]

You look very lovely, AriaStar. I think you have a beautiful nose. Thanks for sharing your before and after pictures, and keep doing what you are doing... :)

Aw, thanks! But the tip is like a bulb. Straight, then a bulb. Ick!

But still, thanks. :)

[scoobydiesel]

Good job xD keep it up but remember to be safe while doing what not, Dont wanna loose any members here now do we? xP

Your nose looks fine :)

[skyz]

Maybe this will seem self-centered to post, but I saw some pics in comparison that make me feel pretty damned good in the end, and just wanted to share with some of my favorite people (this is my favorite place to visit online, even more than Digg, LJ, and so on).

A little over a year ago:
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/whateverpictures/_SC01596.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/whateverpictures/Picture123.jpg

Five days ago at Burning Man (was it really that long ago already?!):
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o72/theyear2007/BURNING%20MAN/September%201%20Saturday/DSC08906.jpg

Not too much of a difference. :) Only they don't seem to be of the same person! Weigh loss (about 80 or so, 50 of it in the last three months, AFTER any of you here who have met me in person last saw me), hair back to normal red, my complexion did a 180 and got nice...

I love my eyes, but hate my nose. If I keep going at this rate, I should be gorgeous by next summer! That's some good motivation.



your eyes are fabulous so big and your nose is fine your hair is brilliant a really lovely shade

i don't have pictures but i went from a size 9 to 3 - 1 - 0 after a classmate said he thought i might have a protein deficiency so i tweaked my already healthy vegetarian diet ~ when my doctor saw me she was so stunned it happened so fast that i suggested i might need an rx for marinol as my appetite or lack of was a 'concern'

so i am thin blonde and legally high

[ariastar]

I'd like to be a size 4. I'm 5'7" and have an hourglass figure, so don't think I could get smaller.

How did you tweak your diet and how long did it take?

[skyz]

i am 5' 7" also but i have naturally slim hips a small waist but a good top 34D

i was already eating fruits vegetables brown rice etc but i added walnuts almond butter more soy silk (vanilla) tofu nutritional yeast and blue green spirulina

it happened fast i was down like 8 lbs in a week and it just kept going not once did i really try or feel the need to resist ~ i had already gotten over the ice cream thing ~ i still drink too muck coke but way less and if i want sweet i make a fruit shake with the silk and frozen fruits w honey or eat a dark chocolate bar

it was almost magical like a spell or granted wish

[tokenuser]

My diet (5 Factor Plan) is big on balance, but one of the keys is high quality protein (ie protein without fat). The body converts protein to muscle, and excreats what it can't use. Sounds nasty, but it is working - without pills.

It is also a sustainable diet. I never feel hungry, and meals are easy to prepare (in sticking with his "5's" they typically have 5 ingredients, and take 5 minutes to make - in a microwave).

[masherscf]

I'm glad you feel better and you look great. However, neither set of photographs is particularly flattering. I expect that much of the difference to perceive is the difference in lighting. You do seem a bit more trim in your facial features. I don't think it's enough to cause some not to recognize you.

However, in the older set, I think that the angle of the light magnifies facial feature and shooting the picture from below your eye-line make you look heavier.

The newer photos are shot from slightly above. You are closer to the camera and the direct flash flattens out facial features.

There's a definite difference, but the difference are really enhanced by the photographs.

It really depresses me when young women take this off-angled, poor conditioned photographs and expect people to judge them. You're certainly not alone in doing this (I'm looking at you, D/F). It's a fun snap-shot, but it doesn't do you any justice. No matter how good you think you look in this last photo, chances are you look even better than that.

One of the reasons why fashion models have some extreme features is that they have to look good from every angle in almost every light. Still, they have to take meticulous care of the light and air-brush everything. The camera is not your friend. It distorts what people look like.

[tokenuser]

You look very lovely, AriaStar. I think you have a beautiful nose. Thanks for sharing your before and after pictures, and keep doing what you are doing... :)!!! ... can type !!!

[ariastar]

i am 5' 7" also but i have naturally slim hips a small waist but a good top 34D

i was already eating fruits vegetables brown rice etc but i added walnuts almond butter more soy silk (vanilla) tofu nutritional yeast and blue green spirulina

it happened fast i was down like 8 lbs in a week and it just kept going not once did i really try or feel the need to resist ~ i had already gotten over the ice cream thing ~ i still drink too muck coke but way less and if i want sweet i make a fruit shake with the silk and frozen fruits w honey or eat a dark chocolate bar

it was almost magical like a spell or granted wish

I've got those damned baby-hips. Grrrr...! What is spirulina?

[ariastar]

I'm glad you feel better and you look great. However, neither set of photographs is particularly flattering. I expect that much of the difference to perceive is the difference in lighting. You do seem a bit more trim in your facial features. I don't think it's enough to cause some not to recognize you.

However, in the older set, I think that the angle of the light magnifies facial feature and shooting the picture from below your eye-line make you look heavier.

The newer photos are shot from slightly above. You are closer to the camera and the direct flash flattens out facial features.

There's a definite difference, but the difference are really enhanced by the photographs.

It really depresses me when young women take this off-angled, poor conditioned photographs and expect people to judge them. You're certainly not alone in doing this (I'm looking at you, D/F). It's a fun snap-shot, but it doesn't do you any justice. No matter how good you think you look in this last photo, chances are you look even better than that.

One of the reasons why fashion models have some extreme features is that they have to look good from every angle in almost every light. Still, they have to take meticulous care of the light and air-brush everything. The camera is not your friend. It distorts what people look like.

Looks who's a party-pooper ruining my feel-good moment. :( Seriously, I'm sad now and feel as fat as I ever was. I have other pics from this last weekend that make me look thinner, but I chose this one because it reflects how I most look in the mirror. And the ones from last summer are the least-fat looking. But now you've got me thinking I still look at fat to everyone now as I look to myself in the older pictures and am deceiving myself into imagining change.

[ariastar]

My diet (5 Factor Plan) is big on balance, but one of the keys is high quality protein (ie protein without fat). The body converts protein to muscle, and excreats what it can't use. Sounds nasty, but it is working - without pills.

It is also a sustainable diet. I never feel hungry, and meals are easy to prepare (in sticking with his "5's" they typically have 5 ingredients, and take 5 minutes to make - in a microwave).

Can protein shakes with no fat work?

[masherscf]

Looks who's a party-pooper ruining my feel-good moment. :( Seriously, I'm sad now and feel as fat as I ever was. I have other pics from this last weekend that make me look thinner, but I chose this one because it reflects how I most look in the mirror. And the ones from last summer are the least-fat looking. But now you've got me thinking I still look at fat to everyone now as I look to myself in the older pictures and am deceiving myself into imagining change.

You completely misread what I wrote. If you want to think you're fat, I can't stop you. I said you're probably are thinner than your pictures make you appear. Honestly, read the post again.

[tokenuser]

Can protein shakes with no fat work?To some extent. But remember that not all fat is bad.

I still have a little fat in my diet - I cook in a little olive oil, rather than microwaving everything (like the 5 Factor Diet recommends - but it lacks the texture and appeal of "cooked" meals). I eat lean meat (steak, turkey, chicken, fish), but when it comes to the shakes basic recipe is:

1/2 punnet of blueberries (frozen)
1/2 punnet of raspberries
1 banana
squeeze of honey
OJ
1/2 block of silken tofu (I get the "light" version, fewer calories)
handful of ice cubes (needed to add thickshake "crystal" type feeling)
whey protein.

Makes a full pitcher of berry smoothie - about 4 large glasses. It absolutey needs the banana and the honey to smooth out the flavour.

In that shake, the protein is supplied by the tofu (note: I cant stand tofu, but this isn't bad), and the whey protein (could use soy protein instead).

OJ - Vitamin C. I use Tropicana Juice, without pulp. Its just as good as the real thing, with no processed sugars (unlike some of their competitors).
Banana - B group vitamins, potasium
Honey - sugar/energy
Berries - other stuff :)

What we dont drink sits in the fridge. We throw in a couple more ice cubes an reblend later in the day if needed.

[ariastar]

You completely misread what I wrote. If you want to think you're fat, I can't stop you. I said you're probably are thinner than your pictures make you appear. Honestly, read the post again.

The way I still read it is criticism, and that any change in the photos is due mostly to lighting and angle. :(

[deegraww]

The way I still read it is criticism, and that any change in the photos is due mostly to lighting and angle. :(

I only read it once and didn't get the impression that you did. I got he thinks that you are better looking then these photos are showing. That the style and lighting you used when taking these pictures are stopping people from getting the view of you that you see. no where in there did I get a negitive comment about you just your photography style.

But to me you shouldn't worry about what we have to say be happy with you first. It sounds to me like you aren't there yet. When you are happy with you it will really show and other people (including those that don't know you) will pick up on that.

Just my take on it though I could be totally wrong.

[masherscf]

The way I still read it is criticism, and that any change in the photos is due mostly to lighting and angle. :(

Only criticism of the photography. I did say they you do look slimmer in newer the photograph. I wish you wouldn't add context to my statement.

I just don't think either set of pictures portrays you in a fair way. I also think it's unfair of you to ask people to comment on your physical development using them.

I think you are beautiful, intelligent, undeniably sexy and monstrously desirable. I understand that you have become more fit in the last year and I'm very proud of you for doing so. I think you should continue what you're doing because it is obviously working for you.

You can take this an honest appraisal and not empty pandering flattery, you could not be any more unavailable to me.

I just don't think that either set of photographs does you justice, not in a long stretch.

[skyz]

The way I still read it is criticism, and that any change in the photos is due mostly to lighting and angle. :(

i had a friend who was really helpful to me with self image ~ he is a professional photographer and he used to take pictures of me ~ experimenting and then gave me color blowups ~ you might want to get some pro photo person take some shots of you ~ you'll end up looking at the pictures and your most critical self will admit 'this is a beautiful girl'

[tokenuser]

I just don't think that either set of photographs does you justice, not in a long stretch.Have to agree with Masher. The "MySpace School of Self Portraiture" generally sucks, and distorts features.

A more representative photo of you is probably the one of you with (I assume) Nick ... and even then, he is either very tall, or you are very short :)

The point is, that it is a photo in natural light the the camera placed at about eye level with the subject.

Nothing wrong with the photos that you took, they are great, but Masher is saying that they distort you, and you are probably even better looking in real life.

[masherscf]

The point is, that it is a photo in natural light the the camera placed at about eye level with the subject.

This is probably the most "neutral" photograph. In my experience, you can achieve a more flattering effect by photographing a subject from slightly above the eye-line. The subject keeps her head level put moved her eyes to look at the camera. It's very sexy. This is the precise effect in the later picture. However, the direct flash is kind of harsh. It blows the heck out of her skin tone.

Also, short focal lengths distort the center of the frame by making it look bigger. This is one reason I hate the old hand-held self portrait.

[deegraww]

if she had posted those pictures on something that wasn't blocked by my work filter I would be able to add something better then my last statements.

[rabidbadger]

Babe, you gotta update this. I think some here will be both shocked, pleased, and er... turned on.

[ryudo]

That is one hell of a great change congrats! And Skyz you have me intrigued I hope you post some pics of yourself to share with us.:)

[ariastar]

Cody's making me Madelines (those shell-shaped cake-like cookies - yes, he bakes!!) right now, and I'm on his Mac. I'll update soon with new pics. :) I am down 36 more pounds from that latest pic in the first post.

[hollywoodbound]

I think thats marvelous! Good for you! Keep it positive. You are already beatiful :-)

[skyz]

Can protein shakes with no fat work?

yes

there is this great line of shake powders by nature's plus (found ay health food stores) they contain everything and mixed with soy milk this chocolate is divine and you can feel the nutrients flowing into you [also comes in other flavors but this is really chocolate]

http://www.naturalhealthshoppe.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2617


they also make a line of fruit shake poweder that cover different colors of fruits [also lots of flavors]

http://www.naturalhealthshoppe.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2520

there are more flavors than found on thiis site

they make an antioxidant one that freshens you like a day in the alps

spirulina is the best food source ever known to man as it is the reason we grew from the sea (it is cultivated form of algae)

the shake powders above contain spirulina but you can take it straight - it is very pretty - bluegreen - you only take a little at a time

http://www.spirulina.com/SPBSpirulina.html

you not only look beautiful you are beautiful

by switching your focus from losing weight to growing as healthy as possible you will be so beautiful you will not believe it (but cody will) :)

[iccanui]

Honestly, that burning man pic ... i think i would be kinda hesitant to come up and talk to you, cause you look so good.

[ariastar]

Honestly, that burning man pic ... i think i would be kinda hesitant to come up and talk to you, cause you look so good.

Awwwww! Actually, a lot of people talked to me based on what I was wearing. When I was topless, I was left alone. Maybe because Nick didn't let me go more than five feet from him. Because I was drunk. Bars on wheels with free margaritas rock.

[ariastar]

Okay, a pic taken this past Wednesday at the Pownce party:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2254/2201627922_587a77d696.jpg?v=0

I'm close to my goal. Just 19 pounds left to go to 120. But I think I have to change how I'm doing it because I'm getting sick and slowly killing myself. But I will get there. I'm 5'7" and was wearing an outfit Cody dubbed "casual dominatrix." Low-cut halter leotard with blue jeans and black patent knee-high platform boots from Hot Topic over them. Too bad my whip is still packed or I would have taken it!. :D

[ariastar]

Heh, sorry for my barely-there look. I was in the ER the night before and still sick. Still am, but oh well.

[masherscf]

You look pretty good. Don't make yourself sick over those last few pounds. I think you'll make it eventually.

[skyz]

I'm close to my goal. Just 19 pounds left to go to 120. But I think I have to change how I'm doing it because I'm getting sick and slowly killing myself.

you think correctly

you need to nuture yourself

new habits new patterns

be more gentle with yourself

you have accomplished something few could manage

you are an extraordinary person

[ariastar]

you think correctly

you need to nuture yourself

new habits new patterns

be more gentle with yourself

you have accomplished something few could manage

you are an extraordinary person

Know what? I've got some good people in my life. Not only on this forum, but in person. Cody's sleeping next to me on the couch and I look at him and my heart swells with happiness and - dare I say it? - a good deal of pride that he's mine. He was frustrated earlier today when he read an entry in my lj (http://aria-star.livejournal.com/459507.html). It's not so much an accomplishment that should be lauded simply due to the method, but the end is good. Now just to try to break out of bad habits. Thankfully, Cody is committed to me and knew what he was getting into before we got together. Since we were friends first with "no chance" of getting together, there was no sense of needing to hide anything.

I can zip up a pair of size 2 jeans, although uncomfortable, and my size 4 jeans, even right out of the dryer, are too loose. So another three or four pounds and I'll be in the 2 comfortably, and then a few more pounds, maybe five or 10, until I am in the 0's I bought. For some reason, 120 sounds perfect.

Just over a year ago, Cody took this pic (just for comparison, or see the first post):

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f79/TheYear2006/DSC03131.jpg

[phatlip12]

Know what? I've got some good people in my life. Not only on this forum, but in person. Cody's sleeping next to me on the couch and I look at him and my heart swells with happiness and - dare I say it? - a good deal of pride that he's mine. He was frustrated earlier today when he read an entry in my lj (http://aria-star.livejournal.com/459507.html). It's not so much an accomplishment that should be lauded simply due to the method, but the end is good. Now just to try to break out of bad habits. Thankfully, Cody is committed to me and knew what he was getting into before we got together. Since we were friends first with "no chance" of getting together, there was no sense of needing to hide anything.

I can zip up a pair of size 2 jeans, although uncomfortable, and my size 4 jeans, even right out of the dryer, are too loose. So another three or four pounds and I'll be in the 2 comfortably, and then a few more pounds, maybe five or 10, until I am in the 0's I bought. For some reason, 120 sounds perfect.

Just over a year ago, Cody took this pic (just for comparison, or see the first post):

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f79/TheYear2006/DSC03131.jpg

You meet Woz?! You lucky bastard. ;)

[ariastar]

You meet Woz?! You lucky bastard. ;)

Nah, here's the - no, wait, he's not a bastard!

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f79/TheYear2006/DSC03130.jpg

[esophagus]

Quite the difference! Good job.

Just be sure to lose the weight in a way thats good for yourself, not just your image.

[skyz]

Quite the difference! Good job.

Just be sure to lose the weight in a way thats good for yourself, not just your image.


what he said !

it is like this gf :)

you need to be kind to yourself to be unfailing kind to everyone else

and that unfailing kindness is what is most beautiful in a woman or a man

there is only like 5 pounds between a 2 and a 0

btw which brand (s)

i vary between a 3 and a 0

but today one of the guys at whole foods said to me 'you are getting tiny'

so my point is that whole foods have everything to do with i got thin cause i got really healthy and then i was thin automatically

after all you live in california this is not hard

find yourself a nice juice bar to hang out in / at

if you can get down the smallest size of carrot juice or papaya juice (etc.)

everything will fix itself

it seems to be programmed that way :)

i left you a note

[masherscf]

Next to Woz, Aria-from-the-past looks like freekin' Denise Austin.

[ariastar]

Next to Woz, Aria-from-the-past looks like freekin' Denise Austin.

I look that old? :(

[ariastar]

what he said !

it is like this gf :)

you need to be kind to yourself to be unfailing kind to everyone else

and that unfailing kindness is what is most beautiful in a woman or a man

there is only like 5 pounds between a 2 and a 0

btw which brand (s)

i vary between a 3 and a 0

but today one of the guys at whole foods said to me 'you are getting tiny'

so my point is that whole foods have everything to do with i got thin cause i got really healthy and then i was thin automatically

after all you live in california this is not hard

find yourself a nice juice bar to hang out in / at

if you can get down the smallest size of carrot juice or papaya juice (etc.)

everything will fix itself

it seems to be programmed that way :)

i left you a note



Heh, I was told I'm "getting tiny" at work yesterday.

As a vegetarian, how do you get protein? Were you always one or did you have to struggle to give up meat?

[skyz]

Heh, I was told I'm "getting tiny" at work yesterday.

As a vegetarian, how do you get protein? Were you always one or did you have to struggle to give up meat?

this is my point - it is the unsolicited opinions of others that are a more reality based view of how you really look ;)

i was a vegetarian as soon as i was out of high school and it was my choice what i would eat

i became a vegetarian in the beginning because i wanted beautiful skin then the ethical and kindness issues and global sustainability of grain fed vs meat fed became known to me

it was not hard at all to give up meat

for protein i drink soy milk / silk (i like the vanilla) every day in fruit smoothies and with my meals

i eat walnuts almond butter cashew butter (from whole foods) and wheat germ (toasted) there is also macadamia butter but i have not had it yet and tahini (hummus)

i cook adding tofu it comes already cubed

and i do eat yogurt and cheese from non gbh sources and i use soy mayonnaise called nayonaisse (it tastes really good)

also any combination of grains and beans or beans and dairy or whole grains and dairy form complete proteins

and lastly i eat star nutritional yeast which is high in protein bvitamins and most importantly vb12 - i sprinkle it in my 'recipes' and i give it to my cat - cats love it

i also like a protein shake i mentioned earlier in this thread made with the silk

i never eat white flour i eat sprouted grain bread and whole wheat pasta (gia brand) and i eat brown rice and irish oatmeal

i also use gia olive oil a lot of it

to that i add the fruits and vegetable i like and as much as i can rather than as little as i can

the bright colors in the fruits especially the deeper colors display their nutrient richness

and i drink lemonade with honey or maple syrup with cayenne thru the day - always first thing in the morning

meat is half saturated fat and it has been dead longer than you want to know before you see it in the stores :eek:

and since all food energy begins from the sun thru photosynthesis it is just smarter to eat the plants than the animals that eat the plants because you get less of the original sun/photosynthesis energy magic from animals

that is it - i create meals using the above with what i have on hand and i go to the farmer's market on sundays for fresh produce

i only go the the supermarket once a month with a master list

then i go to whole foods about once a week

it took me some time to figure it all out and get the best balance but i was into it because i am vain :) though not overly excessively vain

but being vain has made me healthy so it is a useful tool for motivation

[ariastar]

and i drink lemonade with honey or maple syrup with cayenne thru the day - always first thing in the morning

Sounds a bit like the master cleanse. Is honey okay instead of maple?

[ryudo]

That is one hell of an amazing transformation,I am quite impressed.

Also to meet the Woz is just awesome.

Keep up the great work!

[ariastar]

That is one hell of an amazing transformation,I am quite impressed.

Also to meet the Woz is just awesome.

Keep up the great work!

Thanks! :) I'm aiming realistically for 115-120. Cody would commit me as an inpatient if I reached 100.

[xibalba]

I like lemonade with hotsauce in it. Not because of some diet just because it is good. :D

[phatlip12]

Thanks! :) I'm aiming realistically for 115-120. Cody would commit me as an inpatient if I reached 100.

I think it's awesome that you're setting goals about something you're so passionate about, but why 115-120? Is that healthy? IMO, you seem fine where you are now. My girlfriend looks great but she isn't even 115-120 and she's 18 years old. I'm just making sure you're going about this the right way and keeping your health in mind. If it is indeed a healthy weight for someone of your age/height then I wish you the best of luck! Just make sure you loose the weight in a safe and healthy manner. We care about ya. :)

[ariastar]

I think it's awesome that you're setting goals about something you're so passionate about, but why 115-120? Is that healthy? IMO, you seem fine where you are now. My girlfriend looks great but she isn't even 115-120 and she's 18 years old. I'm just making sure you're going about this the right way and keeping your health in mind. If it is indeed a healthy weight for someone of your age/height then I wish you the best of luck! Just make sure you loose the weight in a safe and healthy manner. We care about ya. :)

Thanks. :) By the BMI, 118 is 18.5. I can see another 20 pounds I can safely lose. I was 122 before getting sick and ballooning to 400 and haven't gotten any taller. I was slightly chubby at 122, so that's why 115-120. A few pounds down from that.

[damnedeyez]

Thanks. :) By the BMI, 118 is 18.5. I can see another 20 pounds I can safely lose. I was 122 before getting sick and ballooning to 400 and haven't gotten any taller. I was slightly chubby at 122, so that's why 115-120. A few pounds down from that.

Be careful setting goals based on height/weight tables...they don't have nearly enough information to determine what's best for you. I've even heard a number of fitness/nutrition experts say that the only reliable BMI measurement is taking measurements with those calipers in a few places on the body (like the waist and arms.) Tables generally can't account for muscle mass and frame size and the like.

[shinmaryuu]

First of all i must say this whole thread has given me a terminal case of the warm fuzzies :D. Anyone with the heart and courage to share this kind of stuff in public is pretty kickass in my book.

Secondly as someone who is seeing a really awesome nutrition expert for my own weight issues the BMI index is a big waste of time. Every person is different in so many ways that a big generalized chart is pretty much worthless for that matter so is weight in general :). It's all about health and piece of mind. If your healthy then who cares about 10 pounds over BMI. Maybe that is just what your body wants to keep. Listen more to yourself and your body than you do wacky charts and graphs. As everyone knows science can fail so it's always best to stick to what works. Being healthy, eating decent food, and listening to your own body. Everything else will fall into place from there.

[tokenuser]

ARIA STOP!

If you are going by BMI tables, then I did some reverse calcs and figured out that you are 5'7" tall.

For your height a HEALTHY weight is in the range of 118 to 159lbs.

Anything below 118 is going to be underweight. You are already causing stress on your internal organs. If you insist on going to 100, you are going to kill youself slowly.

You DO NOT need to lose any more weight - you are slap bang in the middle of the healthy range. If you have body parts you are not happy with, you need to look at muscle toning and body sculpting NOT more weight lose. Losing more weight is not going to target those areas. With the amount of weight you have lost there are going to be areas that are going to be less sightly than others. Skin loses elasticity, muscles lose definition. You can fix the muscle problem, but unfortunately, the skin issue is beyond your control with out resorting to surgery (although there are creams out there that help promote elasticity in the skin - vitamin A and collagen spring to mind).

[ariastar]

Be careful setting goals based on height/weight tables...they don't have nearly enough information to determine what's best for you. I've even heard a number of fitness/nutrition experts say that the only reliable BMI measurement is taking measurements with those calipers in a few places on the body (like the waist and arms.) Tables generally can't account for muscle mass and frame size and the like.

I don't base my goals solely on tables. When I look in the mirror, I can see about 20 pounds that I can lose. True, some of it is skin from losing weight, but still.

[ariastar]

First of all i must say this whole thread has given me a terminal case of the warm fuzzies :D. Anyone with the heart and courage to share this kind of stuff in public is pretty kickass in my book.

Thanks. :)


Secondly as someone who is seeing a really awesome nutrition expert for my own weight issues the BMI index is a big waste of time. Every person is different in so many ways that a big generalized chart is pretty much worthless for that matter so is weight in general :). It's all about health and piece of mind. If your healthy then who cares about 10 pounds over BMI. Maybe that is just what your body wants to keep. Listen more to yourself and your body than you do wacky charts and graphs. As everyone knows science can fail so it's always best to stick to what works. Being healthy, eating decent food, and listening to your own body. Everything else will fall into place from there.

The Governator, as well as many/most pro football players, are obese according to those charts, yet are actually extremely healthy and only weigh so much due to sheer muscle mass. The BMI chart also doesn't take into account frame size. I can wrap my hand around my wrist and have my fingers touch the first knuckle of my thumb. Small frame.

[ariastar]

ARIA STOP!

If you are going by BMI tables, then I did some reverse calcs and figured out that you are 5'7" tall.

For your height a HEALTHY weight is in the range of 118 to 159lbs.

Anything below 118 is going to be underweight. You are already causing stress on your internal organs. If you insist on going to 100, you are going to kill youself slowly.

You DO NOT need to lose any more weight - you are slap bang in the middle of the healthy range. If you have body parts you are not happy with, you need to look at muscle toning and body sculpting NOT more weight lose. Losing more weight is not going to target those areas. With the amount of weight you have lost there are going to be areas that are going to be less sightly than others. Skin loses elasticity, muscles lose definition. You can fix the muscle problem, but unfortunately, the skin issue is beyond your control with out resorting to surgery (although there are creams out there that help promote elasticity in the skin - vitamin A and collagen spring to mind).

Cody said, seriously, he'd have me committed as an in-patient if I reached 100, and yeah, I hope to have surgery one day to take care of the skin. It's that skin I'm fighting so hard now.

[tokenuser]

Cody said, seriously, he'd have me committed as an in-patient if I reached 100, and yeah, I hope to have surgery one day to take care of the skin. It's that skin I'm fighting so hard now.You can't "lose" skin by dieting. Surgery will remove the weight of the skin (and probably 10-15lbs), but until then concentrate on the fact you have a man beside you who loves you and will continue to do so.

You need to focus on mental health now, and positive body image more than diet. You need healthy lifestyle choices now - good, nutritious diet coupled with exercise to maintain the weight and tone your muscles.

Losing another 20lbs is not going to make you happier, that is a false goal you fixated on that is getting in the way of what it is that will truly make you happy ... and with Cody by your side, I think the goal you are looking for is closer than you think.

[rabidbadger]

aria. what he said!

[ariastar]

You can't "lose" skin by dieting. Surgery will remove the weight of the skin (and probably 10-15lbs), but until then concentrate on the fact you have a man beside you who loves you and will continue to do so.

You need to focus on mental health now, and positive body image more than diet. You need healthy lifestyle choices now - good, nutritious diet coupled with exercise to maintain the weight and tone your muscles.

Losing another 20lbs is not going to make you happier, that is a false goal you fixated on that is getting in the way of what it is that will truly make you happy ... and with Cody by your side, I think the goal you are looking for is closer than you think.

I am extremely fortunate to have Cody. He does love me, so incredibly much. I could gain back weight and he'd still love me, no question about it.

I just want to like what I see in the mirror. If the excess flab on my abdomen would go away, I'd be fine even gaining a few pounds back. As it is, my ribs are visible. Not so cool, but god dammit, I want a flat abdomen.

[masherscf]

I just want to like what I see in the mirror. If the excess flab on my abdomen would go away, I'd be fine even gaining a few pounds back. As it is, my ribs are visible. Not so cool, but god dammit, I want a flat abdomen.

I think you should throw that dishonest piece of hardware away.

[esophagus]

So from all of this I think it's a fairly safe bet to say you need help. Go see a counsellor, or a dietician or something. Someone who can say what everyone here is that you're just not taking seriously. You've lost more than enough weight! Perhaps they could even find a way for you to, in a healthy way, get a flat abdomen. You're not going to get that from dieting. If you have visible ribs and no flat abs, its more than likely that rigorous exercise is going to be what it takes and no a diet.

[ariastar]

So from all of this I think it's a fairly safe bet to say you need help. Go see a counsellor, or a dietician or something. Someone who can say what everyone here is that you're just not taking seriously. You've lost more than enough weight! Perhaps they could even find a way for you to, in a healthy way, get a flat abdomen. You're not going to get that from dieting. If you have visible ribs and no flat abs, its more than likely that rigorous exercise is going to be what it takes and no a diet.

Don't worry, I eat, Cody makes me. The stupid ab problem is from skin due to losing 261 pounds, and would need surgery I can't afford. Blah.

Ballet starts again Monday, so I'll probably end up eating even more than I am now.

BTW, counselors do nothing for me and dietitians are too expensive. No insurance to cover this.

[skyz]

I just want to like what I see in the mirror. If the excess flab on my abdomen would go away, I'd be fine even gaining a few pounds back. As it is, my ribs are visible. Not so cool, but god dammit, I want a flat abdomen.

that's it :rolleyes:

forget the mirror it isn't about the reflection it is bout how you feel inside your new body

you have accomplished what you set out to but you are not enjoying it because the 'details' are not in youre eyes 'perfect'

i don't think any woman ever sees perfect when she looks at herself in the mirror

but fortunately that is not what the world sees especially not the men people ;)

you can however know every clearly what you feel

nobody is going to have such distorted views that they don't know when they fringing feel good

now that you are lighter you will really enjoy ballet :)

there is where you satisfaction with yourself is 'realized' i think

i am ok with myself

i want that for you because i really admire you so much

you are very special and i think that everyone here thinks so to

:)

[ariastar]

Skyz, my goal has been 120 for a long time.

[tokenuser]

Don't worry, I eat, Cody makes me. The stupid ab problem is from skin due to losing 261 pounds, and would need surgery I can't afford. Blah.

Ballet starts again Monday, so I'll probably end up eating even more than I am now.

BTW, counselors do nothing for me and dietitians are too expensive. No insurance to cover this.Scary - you lost a "me". You'll be able to afford the surgery in good time. IF there is any chance of children - hold off on that part though - you'll need it more after.

Ballet - is this with the same asshole that said you were too fat despite being able to do the move better than the anorexics?? Go back and rub it in their faces.

You don't need counselors. You need supportive friends and an attitude to get better. You know what your problems are. You know what the solutions are - and it is not more diet. Put the same effort into getting out of that mindset as you put into losing the weight.

[masherscf]

Skyz, my goal has been 120 for a long time.

You know, the BMI scale says a person of my height should have an "ideal" weight of 180. But, I need to lose every ounce of fat and destroy forty-pounds of lean muscle tissue before I ever reached it. All the cycling in high-school has gifted me with a very muscular lower body. Unfortunately, all the beer since then has also made a contribution.

You've achieved so much, I just hate to see you injure yourself when you're practically there.

[ariastar]

Scary - you lost a "me". You'll be able to afford the surgery in good time. IF there is any chance of children - hold off on that part though - you'll need it more after.

The chance is only with in vitro, which can only be done until a certain age. Meaning my days to try being a parent are very limited. Children aren't mutually desired until very close to that point. Meaning they aren't going to happen for me/us. So it doesn't matter. Why put off a tummy tuck until after children when I won't get to have them?

Oh, that's right, money. There are better things to spend the money on, like another car and the Wii Cody's dying for.


Ballet - is this with the same asshole that said you were too fat despite being able to do the move better than the anorexics?? Go back and rub it in their faces.

I haven't had the heart to go back there. That was humiliating to be told that in the open in front of a lot of people.


You don't need counselors. You need supportive friends and an attitude to get better. You know what your problems are. You know what the solutions are - and it is not more diet. Put the same effort into getting out of that mindset as you put into losing the weight.

The "solution" isn't viable without a lot of money. So I go with what options I can, and am trying to at least reduce the bulk.

[ariastar]

You know, the BMI scale says a person of my height should have an "ideal" weight of 180. But, I need to lose every ounce of fat and destroy forty-pounds of lean muscle tissue before I ever reached it. All the cycling in high-school has gifted me with a very muscular lower body. Unfortunately, all the beer since then has also made a contribution.

You've achieved so much, I just hate to see you injure yourself when you're practically there.

As long as I stay alive and can function, that's what matters. I have no need to preserve fertility or anything like that. And I'm making sure not to kill myself. I actually do listen to my body a good bit.

It sounds like you're toned rather than fat. Kind of like football players. Over the "normal" range, but healthy.

[masherscf]

It sounds like you're toned rather than fat. Kind of like football players. Over the "normal" range, but healthy.

No, I've got a big-ol gut. No mistake. I just had a my % body fat measure by submersion. It came out to 20%, which is too high for a man. It harbinges all sorts health problems. I haven't gained any weight in about ten years, but I haven't lost any either. We all got our body issues. I hate losing my hair for one thing.

My main complaint is that I used to cycle 20 miles a day in grad school, but I have no time for it now because of my commute. I could plan a 40 a day minute walk into my commute, but It's hardy a proper workout. I hate being out of shape. I used to think nothing of a 2000 foot vertical hike only about 5-year ago.

And, don't get me started on the lack of sleep...all worth it though.

I tend to focus on what right with my life. I love my family and my job. My bills are paid and I'm not building any more debt. I have some nice things and I just didn't shit myself...life is good.

[rabidbadger]

goddamit mash, and you too, token... I so love your great attitudes. you are an inspiration.

[ariastar]

I tend to focus on what right with my life. I love my family and my job. My bills are paid and I'm not building any more debt. I have some nice things and I just didn't shit myself...life is good.

Without a family/children and a job you love, do you think you wouldn't care so much? You don't get "proper exercise" as it doesn't fit in, probably due partially to time spent as a dad. Of course extra weight would be worth being a parent. I'd take back 50 gladly to have a child. If you had your wife/girlfriend/sig. other, but no family, would you feel the "excuse" to not be in shape?

[masherscf]

Without a family/children and a job you love, do you think you wouldn't care so much? You don't get "proper exercise" as it doesn't fit in, probably due partially to time spent as a dad. Of course extra weight would be worth being a parent. I'd take back 50 gladly to have a child. If you had your wife/girlfriend/sig. other, but no family, would you feel the "excuse" to not be in shape?

Like I said, It's not a weight issue. I'm the same weight I was when I met my wife fifteen years ago. But, I was fifteen years younger and a few extra pounds doesn't slow a young man as much. Without my wife and family I would be neck deep in my own filth. I can't imagine that person.

[tokenuser]

Without a family/children and a job you love, do you think you wouldn't care so much? You don't get "proper exercise" as it doesn't fit in, probably due partially to time spent as a dad. Of course extra weight would be worth being a parent. I'd take back 50 gladly to have a child. If you had your wife/girlfriend/sig. other, but no family, would you feel the "excuse" to not be in shape?Can I answer that? Since I have a wife/gf/sig other (OK, 1 out of 3), but no family (not even extended family).

I am overweight. No, actually, at 257 and 6' tall I am obese. I have severe hypertension (high blood pressure). I don't get proper exercise because a.) I enjoy food too much, b.) I am a TV addict, c.) I work too much, and d.) I am bone lazy.

I am changing my diet. It is much healthier than it was before - still probably too many calories, but much, much healthier than it was. I *was* exercising over the summer break when my wife and I made a habit of daily workouts, but then she got busy with school, and I got busy with work, and that slowly died.

I know what I need to do to get back in shape and be healthy ... but you know something? I am not unhappy. Like Masher, I am (relatively) debt free. My only major expense is a monthly mortgage payment of a little over $2000, and in 5 years time, that will be clear as well. I live in a nice house, in a nice neighbourhood, have a car I am happy with (though dream of something else), don't really worry about what I am spending too much, take an overseas vacation every couple of years. All in all, not a bad lifestyle.

My only real regret at the moment is my weight, and the fact I can't get enough time in the day to work on my Google Android Project - everything else I am pretty much satisfied with.

@Masher - No debt? You have two kids. It will come.

[ryudo]

I fall in that football comparison.
Ever see those Olympic wight lifters ..they have a huge belly not much muscle tone but very strong..I am the same way.
I do eat fairly healthy true I don't exercise much besides Wii and when I leave the house to get somewhere(I walk everywhere and don't drive) but even when I was an exercise nut in high school my body shape stayed the same..so I went from having a big round soft keg belly to a big hard keg belly.

I would like to lose alot of weight and look slimmer but I have accepted that my body will always in some form look like a hairless gorilla.:p

[ariastar]

Diana Zalewski (http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/diana-zalewski-fifth-girl-sent-home-from-cw-top-model-8-4930.php) is considered to be plus-sized. Does she look plus-size?

http://www.pasazz.net/blog/uploaded_images/dianazalewski-788816.jpg

What about Lara Johnson (http://www.larajohnson.net/)?

http://www.larajohnson.net/images/290_Ford_Models-LaraJohnson-17419.jpg

Buff or big girls are seen as manly, buff or big men are seen as manly. We girls are told that girls like the above are plus-size, that they're big girls. How are we to feel good about our sizes when TV, movies, and magazines say that Jennifer Love Hewitt is a "bubble butt" and fat over a couple of not-the-most-flattering pictures of her in the ocean? If she's "fat" as a size 2, then what am I at a 4? Just not buying magazines doesn't cut it when these things are plastered on the covers screaming at us in the check-out line?

At the beach versus her normal shots when made up and posed:

http://lh6.google.com/sunotter2000/R1M-jprsnuI/AAAAAAAAMEc/0UIQamY5tTg/Jennifer%20Love%20Hewitt%20hawaii%20pictures%2003. jpg?imgmax=512 http://static.zooomr.com/images/892065_316146aebe_o.jpg

So two girls I see as thin who are plus-size models and a girl who's tiny and blasted for being fat. Guys don't get the same treatment. yeah, sometimes a magazine shows a belly shot, but actor Kevin Klein has a following of girls who find him attractive. Show me a larger-than-0 actress with the same. Instead Kate Winslet was called fat in Titanic as well, and Britney Spears, much as I can't stand her, was called a "fat pig" among other crueler names for being so "disgustingly fat" during that one performance.

Girls are shown no mercy. When we can't get a break, is it any wonder that up to 4% of all women in the US (http://www.4women.gov/owh/pub/factsheets/eatingdis.htm) are currently affected by eating disorders? Of course this can't include those who aren't diagnosed or reported.

[ryudo]

Me personally have different looks I like

I like a woman to looks healthy and curvy.(example Monica Balucci)
A sexy athletic type like Jessica beil.
Some women to me are sexy thin like Alyssa Hannigan I find sexy.
Some women don't have the most shape in the body but have such a pretty and natural look like Jewel Straight. Just some examples

I never liked the whole Pam Anderson/Alba/J.Simpson manufactured easy access no substance look.

[popltree2]

This has been a long standing issue with not only America, but a number of European countries as well. And it is a shitty double standard. I think I can speak for a few people here when I say that the "skinny" Jennifer Love Hewitt is not all that attractive. Frailty is not a turn on, and that Hanes picture of her looked like she was getting damn close to that point. The ocean picture was just a bad shot of her. Shot from the wrong angle, you cut make a toothpick look like a pound of delicious, deli cut, black forest ham. Mmmmm...black forest ham. Anyway, I much prefer those "plus sized" girls to any rail-thin, skinny bitch and happens to wiggle her way through a door crack. I could go on and on about this, but I think you get the point.

[esophagus]

I think it's a safe bet to say that there are as many people who think Kate Winslet is sexy as there are who would say so of Kevin Klein. We have the same problems. They're just not quite blown to the proportions they are for a girl.

[ryudo]

I think Kate is sexy.
Even though I provided some examples I do tend to like healthy looking women more(or as they are more commonly known..plus sized)

[ariastar]

Me personally have different looks I like

I like a woman to looks healthy and curvy.(example Monica Balucci)
A sexy athletic type like Jessica beil.
Some women to me are sexy thin like Alyssa Hannigan I find sexy.
Some women don't have the most shape in the body but have such a pretty and natural look like Jewel Straight. Just some examples

I never liked the whole Pam Anderson/Alba/J.Simpson manufactured easy access no substance look.

Jessica Biel is slightly taller than me, yet her waist is just over 23" (Cody, my love, Olga is 24" but just 5', if thats any comparison). In other words, I would have to lose another 6" to be her size. Unfortunately media has skewed even what men see. Biel isn't a plus-size person. She's still so much tinier than typical.


I think Kate is sexy.
Even though I provided some examples I do tend to like healthy looking women more(or as they are more commonly known..plus sized)

Sadly, the healthy-looking women, or what we're lead to believe is healthy, is still unattainable. Yet we hear "plus size." Plus means fat in fashion. A 25" waist is plus in the media, and we're always told to lose more weight. How can any girl feel good about herself?

[ariastar]

I think it's a safe bet to say that there are as many people who think Kate Winslet is sexy as there are who would say so of Kevin Klein. We have the same problems. They're just not quite blown to the proportions they are for a girl.

No, men don't have the same problem. Girls are more likely to find a bigger guy attractive for his sense of humor. Guys are more likely to like the bigger girl as a buddy for hers, but not see her as sexy. Many girls like to crawl into a teddy bear's arms for a hug on a bad day, but do guys feel the same way about a big girl? There is a major stigma against even a few extra pounds on a girl than many extra pounds on a guy.

And hell, fashion. Clothes in nice cuts are made for guys in all sizes, but for girls, once you hit a 12, anything over is likely to have an elastic waist band of be frump in another way and make us feel even worse, like we're not worthy of nice clothing.

[ariastar]

This has been a long standing issue with not only America, but a number of European countries as well. And it is a shitty double standard. I think I can speak for a few people here when I say that the "skinny" Jennifer Love Hewitt is not all that attractive. Frailty is not a turn on, and that Hanes picture of her looked like she was getting damn close to that point. The ocean picture was just a bad shot of her. Shot from the wrong angle, you cut make a toothpick look like a pound of delicious, deli cut, black forest ham. Mmmmm...black forest ham. Anyway, I much prefer those "plus sized" girls to any rail-thin, skinny bitch and happens to wiggle her way through a door crack. I could go on and on about this, but I think you get the point.

Yeah, and when that bad shot is enough for media to start calling her fat, yet the vast majority of the pictures we see are of her posed, when we girls hear "Jennifer Love Hewitt" and "fat," we are going to associate "fat" with what we normally see, and come to think that the Hanes-type as fat on some subconscious level. We can be aware of this, yet still there is that small part of us thinking otherwise.

This double standard is something we girls have to live with every day. While some may say they can ignore it, I have a hard time believing any of us completely can. Hair coloring, cuts, make-up, there's so much we have to put up wit in our quest to achieve attraction by the standards we come to believe matter. I know you love me, Baby, even when I look sick or need a shower. But to go out in public and wonder what others are thinking? It's a lie to say that what others think doesn't matter because it does. We have manners because we want others to think good of us. We try to dress nicely too for the same reason.

There's no way I can see for a guy to fully understand. He can try, but not truly get it.

[popltree2]

Yeah, and when that bad shot is enough for media to start calling her fat, yet the vast majority of the pictures we see are of her posed, when we girls hear "Jennifer Love Hewitt" and "fat," we are going to associate "fat" with what we normally see, and come to think that the Hanes-type as fat on some subconscious level. We can be aware of this, yet still there is that small part of us thinking otherwise.

This double standard is something we girls have to live with every day. While some may say they can ignore it, I have a hard time believing any of us completely can. Hair coloring, cuts, make-up, there's so much we have to put up wit in our quest to achieve attraction by the standards we come to believe matter. I know you love me, Baby, even when I look sick or need a shower. But to go out in public and wonder what others are thinking? It's a lie to say that what others think doesn't matter because it does. We have manners because we want others to think good of us. We try to dress nicely too for the same reason.

There's no way I can see for a guy to fully understand. He can try, but not truly get it.

I think it is a basic human need to want to feel attractive. That applies to both men and women. Women just go through a lot more to make themselves feel attractive. A guy can shave, throw some gel in his hair, brush his teeth, put on a nice shirt, pants, and shoes and be ready for a night on the town. A woman generally goes through much more, such as make-up and hair. Less is expected of guys. But it does seem to me that a guy either has to be really in shape or he has to be "teddy bear" sized. There doesn't GENERALLY seem to be room for the scrawny geek or the average guy who does have a spare tire. I know there is a certain demographic of woman out there that doesn't mind, and may even prefer, one of these but generally speaking, it doesn't happen.

[ryudo]

I think it is a basic human need to want to feel attractive. That applies to both men and women. Women just go through a lot more to make themselves feel attractive. A guy can shave, throw some gel in his hair, brush his teeth, put on a nice shirt, pants, and shoes and be ready for a night on the town. A woman generally goes through much more, such as make-up and hair. Less is expected of guys. But it does seem to me that a guy either has to be really in shape or he has to be "teddy bear" sized. There doesn't GENERALLY seem to be room for the scrawny geek or the average guy who does have a spare tire. I know there is a certain demographic of woman out there that doesn't mind, and may even prefer, one of these but generally speaking, it doesn't happen.

I fully agree.

[ariastar]

I think it is a basic human need to want to feel attractive. That applies to both men and women. Women just go through a lot more to make themselves feel attractive. A guy can shave, throw some gel in his hair, brush his teeth, put on a nice shirt, pants, and shoes and be ready for a night on the town. A woman generally goes through much more, such as make-up and hair. Less is expected of guys. But it does seem to me that a guy either has to be really in shape or he has to be "teddy bear" sized. There doesn't GENERALLY seem to be room for the scrawny geek or the average guy who does have a spare tire. I know there is a certain demographic of woman out there that doesn't mind, and may even prefer, one of these but generally speaking, it doesn't happen.

Women are expected to go through the whole routine before a night on the town.

Guys can be scrawny, buff, a bit of a tire, or a bear. If anything, the scrawny ones are the ones with the hardest time. We girls don't like to feel even bigger in comparison by our guys being smaller than we are. You know, I feel huge compared to you.

[popltree2]

Women are expected to go through the whole routine before a night on the town.

Guys can be scrawny, buff, a bit of a tire, or a bear. If anything, the scrawny ones are the ones with the hardest time. We girls don't like to feel even bigger in comparison by our guys being smaller than we are. You know, I feel huge compared to you.

At the risk of turning this into another thread about you and I, I don't see how you could feel big compared to me. I have a tire big enough that, we my friends get a flat, they don't bother opening the trunk. They just say "Let's use Cody's full-sized spare." Am I exaggerating? No. Well, maybe a little. But I still don't see how you can feel big next to me. You aren't as tall and weigh less. In my book, that means smaller.

[ariastar]

At the risk of turning this into another thread about you and I, I don't see how you could feel big compared to me. I have a tire big enough that, we my friends get a flat, they don't bother opening the trunk. They just say "Let's use Cody's full-sized spare." Am I exaggerating? No. Well, maybe a little. But I still don't see how you can feel big next to me. You aren't as tall and weigh less. In my book, that means smaller.

You're 6' and I'm 5'7". You're 175? If I was 170, I'd be shorter and weight less, but bulkier. I'm wider than you, so feel huge.

It's a girl-thing. I've got some ways to go still. I'm looking forward to being back in ballet. That'll be the healthy thing, right?

[popltree2]

You're 6' and I'm 5'7". You're 175? If I was 170, I'd be shorter and weight less, but bulkier. I'm wider than you, so feel huge.

It's a girl-thing. I've got some ways to go still. I'm looking forward to being back in ballet. That'll be the healthy thing, right?

Dance, in whatever form, is great exercise. It will do you good.

[ariastar]

Dance, in whatever form, is great exercise. It will do you good.

What about the horizontal mambo?

[popltree2]

What about the horizontal mambo?

Eh, errm, ummm....see you in 5.

[ariastar]

Eh, errm, ummm....see you in 5.

That long? No wait, you, um...

[styles]

Didn't read all of this but you lost alot of weight and fast!

you must give me your secret! i need to shed about 100 pounds

[skyz]

How can any girl feel good about herself?

i feel good about myself

i don't want any surgical improvements

i don't own a scale i weigh when i see a scale my weight is always within a 5 pound range

my jeans fit

i am more concerned with whether my lips and cheeks are naturally rosy

and my grand mother was a fashionista and both my mother and aunt were models

i get enough attention for how i look

what i care about is people realizing how smart i am and how talented

maybe it is because i am talented that i have this perspective

i can create something beautiful and that is extremely satisfying

i look to what is good about me and my life

i put effort or intention / attention into improving what can be improved but i am not obsessive

my 'goal' is inner peace

i like myself i even love myself

if you wanted to learn about nutrition you could start with the library

but i don't think you really want to at this time

i don't know what 'switch' has to be flipped in your mind aria to allow you to get into caring for yourself even as you are but i do know one thing

it is a lot to ask of a significant other to love you in spite of your own dissatisfaction with yourself

not doing something as in not eating is a lot easier than taking that same energy and doing something with it

i only lost like 30 pounds i was never outside the healthy range

but i did show up at college to take a few courses and 10 years later have a real education and became a musician after i decided that since i was smart enough to go on merit scholarship i might as well 'let them teach me something i really wanted to know'

i think it is time to turn your considerable will power into doing instead of not doing

i think it is time for you to go to college and get your degree(s)

it is time to switch your focus is what i see

*hugs*

[shinmaryuu]

/me thinks skyz has a very good point...actually a lot of them. I really wish that in the future more girls will realize all these ads and size 0 girls are bullcrap. Air brushing, crash diets, and other massively unhealthy behavior has some how shaped how girls feel about themselves. This is just depressing and sad. Most of these so called ideal women couldn't count to 5 if you let them use their toes. I am huge on the personality over looks department. I want a girl to challenge me in a conversation. Someone who knows who she is and where she wants to go. I want that girl i could be married to for 50 years and still be happy with.

If you sit around as a girl constantly worrying about what a few unevolved males and a bunch of jackass marketing people have to say about your body there is something wrong. If i could give one piece of life advice to anyone it would be avoid at all cost becoming someone's property. Stand strong with 2 middle fingers in the air and tell the system to go screw itself :D.

(I really need to stop listening to punk music right away in the morning. Does something to my poor brain :) )

[masherscf]

@Masher - No debt? You have two kids. It will come.

Didn't say "no debt." It's just not getting bigger. I have a mountain of a student loan. I'm just living within' my means. I'll be taking on a big debt as soon as we buy a house.

[ariastar]

Today I am wearing a size 2 in jeans.

[balzout]

Today I am wearing a size 2 in jeans.

Wow...Thats ridiculous. I remember when you were plus sized and still so confident and happy (At least on here...most of the times ;) )

Let me just say this. Your confidence in yourself is something to be admired whether skinny or not and I know I speak for everyone when I say...

"We are proud of you!"

[rabidbadger]

Wow...Thats ridiculous. I remember when you were plus sized and still so confident and happy (At least on here...most of the times ;) )

Let me just say this. Your confidence in yourself is something to be admired whether skinny or not and I know I speak for everyone when I say...

"We are proud of you!"

Total, absolute, unequivocal agreement.