questions answered

Amanda, thanks for the comment. I will give you an answer.

I did actually take some pictures of myself yesterday. Sadly, they seem to look exactly the same as the other "before" pictures I have taken. But at some point, I will have done what I've set out to do, which is to lose my pear shape. And whether that is 1 month from now, 3 months from now or 6 months from now, I promise I will post the before and after pictures. But there has to be an "after" picture in order to do that. And it won't be classified as an after picture until I have reached my goal. Then, I will also be able to share exactly how I was able to achieve my success. I closely document everything I do, so that part will be easy ;)

Right now, I am on a specific fat loss program and I have to give myself at least 6 weeks to see some picture worthy results. Anything sooner than that would be unrealistic. Because it didn't just take my thighs a couple of weeks to get flabby, I can't expect it to only take a couple of weeks to get rid of the flab.

My two week deadline is a way to drop my body fat percentage. I am expecting to see a change in my measurements but I'm not sure if I'll be able to see visible changes in the way my thighs look after 2 weeks. But I sure hope so! My theory is that the reason my outer thighs look so lumpy is because the fat that accumulates there hangs down, creating "cellulite". If I can just get rid of the fat that lingers there, I'm positive the lumpiness will be gone too. Like I said before, if I give myself about 6 weeks with these intense circuits I'm doing, I can expect to see some noticeable changes within that time frame.

So how is my training now different from what I've done in the past? Basically, you need to get your heart rate up to lose fat.  During the past week, I have definitely gotten my heart rate up! These circuits are kicking my ass! My weight training routine is usually about building muscle. But right now I'm going to be in a calorie deficit which means I won't be able to build muscle. So the focus now is strictly on fat loss.

It's hard work. I know it. I know all you readers know it. If it were easy, we'd all have smoking hot bodies right now, wouldn't we? Truth is, we need to sacrifice and we need to put in the time and effort and sweat to see change. And it doesn't happen overnight. But it will happen with perseverance and determination.

The fact that I write down everything and analyze my results from week to week ensures that eventually I will succeed. Because I have a way of knowing what works and what doesn't. If I don't see changes from the past week, I just look at my journal and tweak something. True, sometimes I get lazy and just maintain. But I'm on a time crunch now! I need to step it up.

As far as the calorie cycling goes, here's what I am doing for the next two weeks: 1 day higher carb/higher calorie followed by 3 days lower carb/lower calories. Repeat. For me, I've chosen 1500cal/1000 cal. On paper, this should help me shed around 3 to 3 1/2 pounds of fat after the 2 weeks are up. And since I'm pretty lean everywhere but my lower half, the fat should mostly come from my thighs and butt.

I've done this before, and it's hard as hell. This time, it's even harder because I'm taking my carbs WAY down on low days. The only carbs are veggies. But another difference is, I've planned ahead. I've planned out every single meal that I will eat for the next 7 days and written it up and put it in my kitchen. I don't have to wonder what I'm eating or when. This way I've taken out the guesswork and set myself up for success. After 7 days, I'll do up my menu again for the next 7 days. Then, on the 15th day, I'm going to eat some kettle cooked potato chips ;)

If this goes well and I do shed fat but see that I still haven't totally rid myself of the main problem, I plan on taking a week or two off from cycling and then hit it again for 2 weeks. I reeeeeeally hope it doesn't come down to that but if it's necessary, I will do it.

Thank you so much for the positive feedback and encouragement! I know I only have two followers on this blog but you girls are a great support system and I am lucky to have you. Thanks for listening to my rants and for helping me through this!