ObeseToBeast123's Journal, 01 September 2022

Good luck! 

How tall are you, Otb? And are you basically happy with your current mass (we all have little problem spots that need fine-tuning, but overall, is this about where you want to be)? 

D_not_Cupcake and morticia thanks I'm trying 😁 

JustBananas I'm 5'9" and great question I'm not where I want to be but continuing to run on a deficit was not working anymore. I didn't have nearly enough energy to put in a worth while effort weight lifting and I was really starting to feel my body just try to conserve energy and not want to move as much. That just isn't conducive to my lifestyle so I have accepted what I've achieved as far as fat loss and now I'm adding the calories back allitle bit at a time to get to figure out what maintenance is for me and I'm going to put all my efforts into putting on more muscle. Eventually I will push again to drop that extra 2 percent of body fat that I'm looking to be rid of but it won't be for months from now. My body needs time off from being in a deficit. And I've finally accepted that. I really should try to do some form of a lean bulk but honestly I'm too scared right now of gaining more fat back after all thw work I put in to loseit.it  

Bulk is bad, I agree. I asked because you look to be fit & healthy, though I know for a lot of guys it's about the waist size (which is also a doctor's measure of heart health for both men & women, more so than BMI%). 

I agree with you, sometimes our bodies need a break. I have increased exercise and calories. This is the 2nd time in 3 years, on the way to #100+ loss that I have chosen to just take a break and maintain. I am lower than I thought I wanted to be when I started, but I think maybe in a two or three months I may shoot for 15-20# more. Right now I am working on toning and strengthening. Sometimes the body and the brain just need a break. I will reevaluate then.  

JustBananas I think we are all our own biggest critics and I was trying to get that well defined six pack that every guy probably secretly or maybe not secretly wants lol. I will get it one day but I need a break. My family and friends look at me and say holy crap you look great you lost so much weight and are in awesome shape. I look in the mirror or look down and grab that tiny bit of fat left covering my bottom abs and say this is totally unacceptable im still a fat ass and its all I can see. I post pictures on here with my shirt off but up until a few weeks ago noone else had seen me with a shirt of because as messed up as it is I was still completely self concious of how I looked. I finally opened my eyes so to speak and looked around while at a cub scout event and at my son's sporting events at all the other dads and realized I was in the best shape of any of them and wtf is wrong with me that I'm still this unsatisfied with how I look. Sure I am deffintly in the beginner category for weight lifters and gym goers as far as what they look like but for the regular population I am definitely fit and healthy and have finally realized that.  

@Otb: It is completely normal to go from fat to fit and only see the trouble spots. I try not to obsess about it, and have turned my focus on inner health instead (bloodwork). It's still competative (with myself), and I know I'm MUCH healthier than the majority of women my age, but it's the Type A personality that just wants perfection. The drive & ambition necessary to achieve the results waxes & wanes. BTW: a 6-pack is a worthy goal, as anyone can stuff their face, lift weights and get big, but abs are the work of the most disciplined. 

Bulk is not bad. It’s the most efficient way of putting on as much lean mass as possible even if it does comes with fat. You’ll be able to put on the most overall musculature. Just ask yourself if you’d be able to do a cut again, cuz if you don’t think you can cut down again then don’t bulk. You’ll still be able to build muscles on lean bulk but at a much slower rate.  

I'm not at a stage mentally where I could try a bulk and if I did one it would have to be eating the similar foods I am now just more of them not adding in a bunch of the stuff that made me fat. But could I cut again yeah absolutely and in a few months I'm going to cut the rest of the way down to where I want to really be. Idk I just can't wrap my head around packing on more fat intentionally right after working so hard to drop it even though I know how effective they can be and how its probably the right move its just in My head I can't get there yet. 

From this female’s perspective, bigger is not better. Abs are better. Though ultimately it is yours and your wife’s choice. And your doctor’s, of course. 

So I’m just starting out and def seeking all the help possible I’ve always been short and stubby 😂 would appreciate any advice right now I’m just starting out so hoping to report in about succeS sooner than later 

Hey justBerto76 welcome to the site! A as pointers for success. It all boils down to burning more calories than you consume. Keep an accurate log of absolutely everything you eat and be sure you're in a daily calorie deficit and you will lose weight. On that note don't make your deficit too high or you won't be able to sustain it. Most people suggest 500 calories deficit but you can do more than that if you really want to drop the Weight faster but don't go too aggressive. I would also say don't be too restrictive on whatever diet you choose because you won't be able to sustain it forever. Try to get your step count up and If you're able to add some resistance training Into your routine so you lose fat and not muscle along with it. Feel free to reach out with any other questions I'm happy to help