Paging Lara

[KareBare]

Hi, im not sure if you know me or not.....but my name is Karen. i am 17 and i have recently lost about 10 pounds just from changing my eating habits. i dont eat all that much now....like a homemade veggie soup and a peice of low fat bread for lunch. and then maybe a salad and some spagettie for supper. ive worked really hard on portion controll. i am a vegitarian so sometimes its hard not to over eat on carbs....but its doable. the problem is i still have many problem areas. i am 5'1" and 115 pounds. i gain my weight in my lower stomach and sides and thighs. i am very curvy as well. so i was curious about the bike exorcise you mentioned below....how long as one sitting should one do this? and how vigerously? i really really love your stomach...im assuming thats you in the d-pic below. i ahve one of those wonderful 'ponches' lol taht i would like to ditch. any other thigh, sides, or other ab excosises you can recomend....here are some pictures of my body...at some angles i can hide the fat pretty good.......but i found ahead on one its almost a year old and i was a bit heavier then i am now.......not very flattering. have a peerk and tell me if u can recomend something.....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/Karen_411/pink.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/Karen_411/satin.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/Karen_411/Family/dadandme.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/Karen_411/Family/Picture019.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/Karen_411/Family/Picture163.jpg

Thank you SOOOO Much

[Lara]

KareBear--Can I just say Vavavooom! You are gorgeous girlie! You and I actually have the same body type it seems...The "Jessica Rabbit" look--curvy all over. I didn't have these abs my whole life. My abs are a result of proper eating--most of the time anyway. LOL--and training consistently. The Bicycling Maneuver can be done for as many repetitions as you can without stopping for up to 3 sets. I would recommend doing that a few times a week.

As far as your eating...Sister, you are not eating enough! Your metabolism is going to slow down and you won't be able to lose another pound much less keep off what you did lose. You need to up your calories and divide them up into at least 4-5 mini meals a day. Are you a strict vegan or lacto-ovo (dairy and eggs)? Let me know so I can recommend some protein for you. You need protein in order to build muscle. The more muscle you have, the quicker your metabolism. Let's get you on the right track with your diet first and then discuss exercise. :)

[summer]

Sorry to butt in, but just a little worried about your diet. I'm happy that you have lost some weight, and just to let you know, you're currently a perfect weight for your height. It just seems to be a dangerously low calorie diet, and lacking in protein..which you will need if you want to tone your muscles. I know you're a vegetarian, and there is not a lot of variety but pulses, eggs and even milkshakes are good sources of protein, as well as other dairy products. You're right to cut on the amount of food eaten to lose weight, but you must also have an adequate calorie intake to maintain a good level of energy and bodily functions.

I'm sure Lara will be able to help you on exercises for toning your muscles. Just to remind you that when you start exercising and building your muscle mass, your weight may increase as muscle weighs three times more than fat. I usually advise people to guide their progress with weight if your BMI is raised, but inches instead when you start on an acceptable weight range for your height.

Sorry to be a pain, but a healthy body leads to a healthy mind which leads to a happy, and more enjoyable quality of life!! I'm sure you will do well in the long run, and we're here to support you if you ever feel a bit stressed out!!

[KareBare]

i actually eat really healthy. im part of weight watchers and i follow their plan. i used to have eating disorder problems but i dont at all anymore. and yes i am a lacto-octo veggie.

[summer]

That's good news!! Just a little concerned, and glad that concern has been allayed!! Sorry to butt in before...

Sure Lara will be able to help you with the exercises that you require!!

Good luck!

[Lara]

i actually eat really healthy. im part of weight watchers and i follow their plan. i used to have eating disorder problems but i dont at all anymore. and yes i am a lacto-octo veggie.

Thanks for clarifying, KareBear. I think when you said "...like a homemade veggie soup and a peice of low fat bread for lunch. and then maybe a salad and some spagettie for supper", you through Summer and I into thinking that it was ALL you ate in a day. LOL Weight Watchers is a great program. As long as you are getting all of your proper nutrients, that should take care of your diet issues.

Lara :)