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Hello to everyone. I am a first time poster, but have been reading these forums for over a year (google search). Finally joined so I could read posts easier and post myself.
I will try to include some information about me and my regimen which I know people like to understand when a newbie is asking questions. If I miss something let me know and I will do my best to answer.
I am 38 yo white female who in my younger years was a competitive athlete and in good shape generally speaking. At some point in my late 20's I gained a lot weight after an injury took me out of the sports thing and my career had me traveling a lot. At my heaviest I weighed in at 190 which at 5'4" was a lot. I was a size 16. I have always weighed a bit more as I still had a good deal of muscle (my legs are very muscular) but obviously this was too much!
I finally got a reality check about 18 months ago and got serious about getting back into shape (started my "mission" at 182 lbs, size 14/16). I have managed to get to the 145-150 range and a size 7/9 (weight is not the best overall indicator for me as I mentioned before). For the last 4 months I have stagnated here and have become increasingly frustrated.
I have changed my workout routine at least 2 times the last 6 months to try to shake things up to no avail. I have been currently doing interval weight training 4 x a week (12, 8, 6 reps) and I either run and/or do hot power yoga (great workout) 2 x week. My diet is pretty solid but I do travel a lot and it's tough. My one bad is probably I have wine 3 x week (1-2 glasses) when I am traveling as I am out to dinner with clients. Other than that I eat anywhere from an even split on carbs/proteins to proteins @ 60% and carbs @ 40% (I just started using the Fit Day this week but have always kept a notebook). I also run a calorie deficit most days (on some occasion a special dinner may put me at or a little over). I also try to eat fresh/organic when I can (which can be tough on the road). I do a morning meal, mid morning snack, light lunch, afternoon snack, 3 x week protein drink after workout, dinner. My snacks are healthy - protein drink, cottage cheese, hardboiled egg, cut veggies, etc.
I just started Omega's lipostack this week (have to start slow as I can get a nausea from that kind of thing). I cannot seem to lose the pudge. I have it in my back shoulder (wings) and more frustratingly in my love handles and lower abdomen. I have never had children (just an fyi). I have worked really hard and obviously stayed focused to get this far but the last 4 months have been killing me. It's not easy when I have to travel so much to keep at the workouts and diet and I feel like my body is giving up on me right here at the end when I most need it.
Also, I have been frustrated as I have seen my doctor twice in the last 3 months (physical and re: a small injury) and I have mentioned my frustration to which the response has been that I am a "normal weight" and I should be happy. I even asked if I could do some more extensive blood work or something to understand and more about where I am physically and what may help me move to the next step in my goals - to which I was told I am very healthy and at the right body size and weight for my age and height. I left feeling very alone. I am in the NW Suburbs of the chicago area and I don't know where to look to maybe find an internist that is more aligned with my goals - someone who doesn't just pat me on the head when I still want to lose my love handles and pudge belly and tell me I am ok.
I have good muscle structure having been an athlete and you can see the "bulk" but its almost a bad thing because I just look big and not defined, not to mention the pudge belly. I really thought when I set out on this thing that I could get to a place where I was in top shape and looked it, but I am starting to wonder now. A friend has mentioned lipo twice to me now and before when they mentioned it I had a no way attitude - did not want the scars, side issues, and I really felt I could get there on my own. Now though I am beginning to wonder. I doubt I would do it but it's a little depressing the thought that I would now even entertain the idea.
So I guess I am posting for a few reasons...
1) Get this off my chest as it's weighing kinda of heavy. Most of the people I hang with don't really get it especially since they think I look great compared to 18 mos ago (which I appreciate but its not the point).
2) If anyone has any ideas I am open - I will check here and my PMs for feedback.
3) If anyone knows of a doc in the chicago area that "get's it" - eg the fact I want to achieve something better, push myself vs being okay on their BMI chart. I just want someone to work with me like blood tests and helping me understand my body in conjunction with my fitness and physical goals.
So thanks for letting me take some space here to at least vent a bit, and for anyone that has ideas I appreciate that as well. I also appreciate all the posts and information - even if some of us don't write a lot your info and ideas do get read and I know I have benefited so far on my journey the last year from lurking about and learning, so thanks!
I will try to include some information about me and my regimen which I know people like to understand when a newbie is asking questions. If I miss something let me know and I will do my best to answer.
I am 38 yo white female who in my younger years was a competitive athlete and in good shape generally speaking. At some point in my late 20's I gained a lot weight after an injury took me out of the sports thing and my career had me traveling a lot. At my heaviest I weighed in at 190 which at 5'4" was a lot. I was a size 16. I have always weighed a bit more as I still had a good deal of muscle (my legs are very muscular) but obviously this was too much!
I finally got a reality check about 18 months ago and got serious about getting back into shape (started my "mission" at 182 lbs, size 14/16). I have managed to get to the 145-150 range and a size 7/9 (weight is not the best overall indicator for me as I mentioned before). For the last 4 months I have stagnated here and have become increasingly frustrated.
I have changed my workout routine at least 2 times the last 6 months to try to shake things up to no avail. I have been currently doing interval weight training 4 x a week (12, 8, 6 reps) and I either run and/or do hot power yoga (great workout) 2 x week. My diet is pretty solid but I do travel a lot and it's tough. My one bad is probably I have wine 3 x week (1-2 glasses) when I am traveling as I am out to dinner with clients. Other than that I eat anywhere from an even split on carbs/proteins to proteins @ 60% and carbs @ 40% (I just started using the Fit Day this week but have always kept a notebook). I also run a calorie deficit most days (on some occasion a special dinner may put me at or a little over). I also try to eat fresh/organic when I can (which can be tough on the road). I do a morning meal, mid morning snack, light lunch, afternoon snack, 3 x week protein drink after workout, dinner. My snacks are healthy - protein drink, cottage cheese, hardboiled egg, cut veggies, etc.
I just started Omega's lipostack this week (have to start slow as I can get a nausea from that kind of thing). I cannot seem to lose the pudge. I have it in my back shoulder (wings) and more frustratingly in my love handles and lower abdomen. I have never had children (just an fyi). I have worked really hard and obviously stayed focused to get this far but the last 4 months have been killing me. It's not easy when I have to travel so much to keep at the workouts and diet and I feel like my body is giving up on me right here at the end when I most need it.
Also, I have been frustrated as I have seen my doctor twice in the last 3 months (physical and re: a small injury) and I have mentioned my frustration to which the response has been that I am a "normal weight" and I should be happy. I even asked if I could do some more extensive blood work or something to understand and more about where I am physically and what may help me move to the next step in my goals - to which I was told I am very healthy and at the right body size and weight for my age and height. I left feeling very alone. I am in the NW Suburbs of the chicago area and I don't know where to look to maybe find an internist that is more aligned with my goals - someone who doesn't just pat me on the head when I still want to lose my love handles and pudge belly and tell me I am ok.
I have good muscle structure having been an athlete and you can see the "bulk" but its almost a bad thing because I just look big and not defined, not to mention the pudge belly. I really thought when I set out on this thing that I could get to a place where I was in top shape and looked it, but I am starting to wonder now. A friend has mentioned lipo twice to me now and before when they mentioned it I had a no way attitude - did not want the scars, side issues, and I really felt I could get there on my own. Now though I am beginning to wonder. I doubt I would do it but it's a little depressing the thought that I would now even entertain the idea.
So I guess I am posting for a few reasons...
1) Get this off my chest as it's weighing kinda of heavy. Most of the people I hang with don't really get it especially since they think I look great compared to 18 mos ago (which I appreciate but its not the point).
2) If anyone has any ideas I am open - I will check here and my PMs for feedback.
3) If anyone knows of a doc in the chicago area that "get's it" - eg the fact I want to achieve something better, push myself vs being okay on their BMI chart. I just want someone to work with me like blood tests and helping me understand my body in conjunction with my fitness and physical goals.
So thanks for letting me take some space here to at least vent a bit, and for anyone that has ideas I appreciate that as well. I also appreciate all the posts and information - even if some of us don't write a lot your info and ideas do get read and I know I have benefited so far on my journey the last year from lurking about and learning, so thanks!
