Well, lost 3lbs at today's weigh in bringing me to a 4 stone (56lb) loss since 8 January and and 4 stone shy of goal. It's taken just under 4 months to get this far and while I hope that the latter half of the journey will be as quick, I'm guessing it will take at least 6 months. In order to break the long journey up a bit, I'm trying to think in terms of mini-goals which seem to be constantly changing.
At the moment, I'm part of two challenges - one which began just after Easter and another which begins next week. The Easter Challenge goal is 13s 2 (184lbs) by 18/06/07 however, I am only 5lbs from that so will hopefully shift some more pounds beyond my 28lb goal. The new challenge, which begins on Monday is an 8-week challenge. I've set myself a goal of 12 s 5lbs by 25/06/07. That's 16lbs in 8 weeks. It would have been 14lbs to alleviate pressure, however if I shed 16lbs, I will reach my 75lb weight loss and be 30% less the woman I was at the start of the year. If I pull it off, even I will be impressed! After that, the next goal will be 10 s 8lbs (148lbs) - 40% lost. If I can get to that before my holiday in August, I will be bouncing off the walls!
Challenges are a fantastic way to keep yourself motivated - however, I am all too aware that they aren't all that one needs to keep motivated. Success at the scales each week is what keeps me going. I've found that this success and motivation extends far and beyond just the physical rewards however.
Friends and family alike have told me how my confidence seems to be soaring. My weight loss and my course at university seem to have been working together to undo years of poor self image. I know I'm still only halfway to goal, but I'm so curious as to who I'll be at the end of this journey as I've discovered so much in the last few months about myself that I chose to either ignore or neglect for years. After nearly a decade of hiding in a fat suit, I feel like I'm ready to spring forth and be the person I am. I've no need to wear the shield of lard to protect me from life's woes anymore. I'll just stand up and face whatever they throw at me.
Monday, 30 April 2007
Saturday, 21 April 2007
A thirsty business
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Everywhere I look, people are drinking from bottles of water. At college, in shops, at home - what is it about bottled water that has become so addictive? Surely with thirst like this, they should be considering a check for diabetes. It seems I am not alone in seeing this behaviour as slightly odd.
"If you follow your thirst, you won't go wrong," says David Perlow, MD, an Atlanta urologist. He notes that pre-modern man never ran around sipping on a water bottle. "A dry mouth indicated it was time to run to the stream for a drink."
Over the last twenty years or so, we've been educated by the media that we must have our eight glasses a day... and for the last three months, Weight Watchers have been advising me to drink more fluids to ensure a healthy weight loss each week.
Perhaps it's my guilty conscience as I only drink a pint of water a day, approximately two pints of tea and another pint of pepsi max. So, I'm left wondering, am I doing it wrong? Will my weight loss increase with an intake of this clear elixir?
Boost Your Metabolism
Weight loss is primarily the result of our liver converting stored fat into usable energy. Does increasing your water intake improve a sluggish metabolism? Dr Donnica writes: "The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (12/03/04) suggests that drinking sufficient water may actually increase the metabolic rate, or the rate at which people burn calories. While the researchers admit that the impact of their findings were small, this information could still potentially help with weight-control programs. In weight management, small daily improvements and behavioral changes can accrue for a significant long-term result. "
This German study involved reasearchers tracking caloric intake and energy expenditures among seven men and seven women who were healthy and not overweight. After drinking just over two glasses of water, subjects' metabolic rates increased by 30% for both men and women. The increases occurred within 10 minutes of water consumption and reached a maximum after about 30 to 40 minutes.
Dr Donnica notes: "Interestingly, the increase in metabolic rate differed in men and women. In men, burning more fat fueled the increase in metabolism, whereas in women, an increased breakdown of carbohydrates caused the increase in metabolism seen."
Researchers estimate that over the course of a year, those who simply increase their water intake by 1.5L a day without any other changes, will burn an extra 17,400 calories - five pounds. While further study into this is needed to confirm the findings, Dr Donnica notes: "Regardless of whether they are confirmed, drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water per day is an easy, harmless, and free first step for dieters."
Reduce your appetite
Maybe it's the appetite-quelling properties of water which cause this link. However, thirst and saiety expert Barbara Rolls, PhD points out that thirst and hunger are regulated by separate systems.
A study by Rolls and colleagues at Penn State University investigated whether people who drank water with lunch took in fewer calories than those who drank other low-calorie beverages. They discovered that drinking water had minimal effect on intake of calories at the meal.
"In all of our research, we have never been able to show that water can cause weight loss," says Rolls. She points out that the only way drinking water can assist weight loss is when it is a substitute it for higher-calorie beverages and foods.
Rolls, the author of The Volumetrics Eating Plan and The Volumetrics Weight Control Plan believes that eating high water content foods can aid dieters at feeling full. Rolls explains:"When you add water to a bowl of vegetables as in soup, the soup has greater satiety than when the vegetables are eaten alone with a glass of water, when water is incorporated into food or shakes, satiety is increased and subjects ultimately eat less food."
For the dieter, foods with high water contents can assist them to goal as: foods appear larger, higher food volume pleases orally and absorption of food is slowed, allowing you to feel fuller for longer.
For the dieter, foods with high water contents can assist them to goal as: foods appear larger, higher food volume pleases orally and absorption of food is slowed, allowing you to feel fuller for longer.
A soon-to-be-published study by Rolls and colleagues shows that a high-volume eating plan resulted in more weight loss than a low-fat eating plan.
If you want to lose weight, Rolls recommends an eating plan that includes plenty of high-volume foods such as fruits, vegetables, broth-based soups, and oatmeal, along with adequate fluids to satisfy your thirst.
Friday, 20 April 2007
Aiming for size 10?
Walk into several high street shops and you'll soon discover that no two size 10 garments fit the same. While I long to be a perfect size 10, what sort of goal is it without standard sizing in the UK?
Earlier this year, BBC News reported that Spain is to standardise women's clothing sizes as part of a government drive to ease pressure on young girls' concerns about body size.
As in the UK, clothes currently on sale in Spain often vary in size from shop to shop, despite carrying the same size label.
Some fear the labels are confusing shoppers and that efforts to conform could be leading to eating disorders.
The move follows Spain's ban of ultra-thin models on the catwalk during Madrid fashion week last September.
British women and their Spanish counterparts often head into changing rooms with an armful of different sizes never knowing which one will fit this time or whether any will fit at all.
Spain's biggest fashion retailers have bowed to government pressure to standardise their sizes by 2008 to reflect the real size of Spain's growing population.
Under new regulations, a size 40 garment in one store will need to be at least roughly comparable to a size 40 in another shop.
The move is likely to affect women and girls all over the world as international brands such as Mango and Zara have signed up to the agreement.
In a recent interview, Colleen McLoughlin, girlfriend of footballer Wayne Rooney, said that the fit of the clothing is better to concentrate on than the fit. However, if you've struggled to from size 24 down to a size 18, it would be nice to be able to wear that over a size 22 garment.
At present, I am wearing what I believe to be size 18 - how do my measurements compare to the high street "18"?
My measurements: Bust: 43.00"--Waist: 37.00"--Hips: 46.00"
Earlier this year, BBC News reported that Spain is to standardise women's clothing sizes as part of a government drive to ease pressure on young girls' concerns about body size.
As in the UK, clothes currently on sale in Spain often vary in size from shop to shop, despite carrying the same size label.
Some fear the labels are confusing shoppers and that efforts to conform could be leading to eating disorders.
The move follows Spain's ban of ultra-thin models on the catwalk during Madrid fashion week last September.
British women and their Spanish counterparts often head into changing rooms with an armful of different sizes never knowing which one will fit this time or whether any will fit at all.
Spain's biggest fashion retailers have bowed to government pressure to standardise their sizes by 2008 to reflect the real size of Spain's growing population.
Under new regulations, a size 40 garment in one store will need to be at least roughly comparable to a size 40 in another shop.
The move is likely to affect women and girls all over the world as international brands such as Mango and Zara have signed up to the agreement.
In a recent interview, Colleen McLoughlin, girlfriend of footballer Wayne Rooney, said that the fit of the clothing is better to concentrate on than the fit. However, if you've struggled to from size 24 down to a size 18, it would be nice to be able to wear that over a size 22 garment.
At present, I am wearing what I believe to be size 18 - how do my measurements compare to the high street "18"?
My measurements: Bust: 43.00"--Waist: 37.00"--Hips: 46.00"
Marks & Spencer--:Bust: 40.00"--Waist: 34.00"--Hips: 42.50"
Dorothy Perkins---:Bust: 43.25"--Waist: 35.75"--Hips: 44.75"
Dorothy Perkins---:Bust: 43.25"--Waist: 35.75"--Hips: 44.75"
Next---------------:Bust: 41.00"--Waist: 34.50"--Hips: 43.50"
Evans--------------:Bust: 43.00"--Waist: 36.00"--Hips: 44.00"
Tesco--------------:Bust: 42.25"--Waist:35.00"--Hips:45.00"
Tesco--------------:Bust: 42.25"--Waist:35.00"--Hips:45.00"
BhS----------------:Bust: 41.25"--Waist: 34.50"--Hips:41.25"
Debenhams--------:Bust: 41.25"--Waist: 33.25"--Hips:45.00"
This little examination of measurements shows that there is no such thing as a perfect size in the UK. With as much as a 3" difference, it would appear that in some shops, I'd find myself fitting into certain size 16's wherein others I'd be forced into a size 20.
I think, at the end of the day, perhaps we need to sway away from the concept of size and look at how we feel about ourselves when clothed in a particular garment. While I know it will be tough, I'll just have to strive for a body shape that I alone will feel comfortable with - not one that suits a high street tag.
Thursday, 19 April 2007
Feeling Dippy
Working up a sweat in the garden has left me hungry - for both lunch and a way to utilise all the veggies that will be harvested in the months to come. Over the course of the next few months, I will trawl through recipe books and the net and experiment in the kitchen and post recipes worthy of being attempted again!
These dips are fabulous with toasted pitta bread and are a great way to work towards your 5-a-day!
Zero Point Roasted Veggie Dip (4 servings) Points: 0
1 med courgette, sliced
1 med yellow squash, sliced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Preheat oven to 180 C.
Pop your courgette, squash, bell pepper, onion and garlic on a baking tray. Spray with nonstick spray; season with salt and cayenne.
Roast vegetables until tender - turning once. Approximately 15 mins per side.
Transfer to blender or food processor and puree.
Transfer to bowl and serve warm, or refrigerate, covered until chilled, at least 2 hours.
Spinach Dip (Serves 24) Points: 1
10-oz. frozen chopped spinach - defrosted
1 cup low-fat mayonnaise
1 cup non-fat sour cream
3 spring onions, chopped
1 pk Knorr vegetable soup mix
Drain the spinach and squeeze dry.
In a medium bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients. Add spinach and mix well.
Refrigerate 3 hours before serving.
Dill-Cucumber Dip (serves 6) Points: 1
1 large onion
2/3 cup plain fat-free yogurt
8 oz fat-free cream cheese
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
2 tsp dill, fresh or 1 tsp dried
2 large cucumbers, peeled and cut into bite-size cubes
Chop onion in a food processor or blender. Add yogurt, cream cheese, salt, pepper and dill; whirl until well combined. Fold in cucumber; chill overnight.
These dips are fabulous with toasted pitta bread and are a great way to work towards your 5-a-day!
Zero Point Roasted Veggie Dip (4 servings) Points: 0
1 med courgette, sliced
1 med yellow squash, sliced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Preheat oven to 180 C.
Pop your courgette, squash, bell pepper, onion and garlic on a baking tray. Spray with nonstick spray; season with salt and cayenne.
Roast vegetables until tender - turning once. Approximately 15 mins per side.
Transfer to blender or food processor and puree.
Transfer to bowl and serve warm, or refrigerate, covered until chilled, at least 2 hours.
Spinach Dip (Serves 24) Points: 1
10-oz. frozen chopped spinach - defrosted
1 cup low-fat mayonnaise
1 cup non-fat sour cream
3 spring onions, chopped
1 pk Knorr vegetable soup mix
Drain the spinach and squeeze dry.
In a medium bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients. Add spinach and mix well.
Refrigerate 3 hours before serving.
Dill-Cucumber Dip (serves 6) Points: 1
1 large onion
2/3 cup plain fat-free yogurt
8 oz fat-free cream cheese
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
2 tsp dill, fresh or 1 tsp dried
2 large cucumbers, peeled and cut into bite-size cubes
Chop onion in a food processor or blender. Add yogurt, cream cheese, salt, pepper and dill; whirl until well combined. Fold in cucumber; chill overnight.
Wednesday, 18 April 2007
Stretching my way to the body beautiful
With summer on the way and my quest for the body beautiful underway, I've been thinking about stretches...and not the exercise kind.
Stretch marks plague approximately 70% of the adult population - both men and women. They develop when the tissue under the skin is pulled by rapid growth or stretching. Although the skin is usually fairly elastic, when it's overstretched, the normal production of collagen (the major protein that makes up the connective tissue in your skin) is disrupted. The breakdown or tearing of elastin fibers which lie under the skin in its second layer, the dermis, causes the scars we call stretch marks to form. These permanent scars vary in colour and while they may fade, it seems they will always remain as there is, at present, no method of removing them.
Some believe tanning might hide these eyesores, but it is important to remember they result from damaged skin and exposure to light and its effects may cause them to become more unsightly.
Laser treatments are an option, however their effectiveness is questionable in relation to the cost they incur. While they are effective in removing, vaporizing, and breaking down tissues, they are not able to repair the torn tissue which is what stretch marks are. Lasers primarily attack the upper layer of skin, seemingly neglecting the tear.
Surgery to cut away these eyesores is a surefire way to remove stretch marks, however it is a costly option. Abdominal stretch marks occur primarily below the belly button. As much of the skin below the belly button is removed during a tummy tuck, stretch marks in this area will also be removed. However, this is not a procedure to be taken lightly - for starters there's the cost - but also a great deal of pain and a lengthy recovery time. Top that off with scars created by the tuck and the general dangers of surgery and it makes more sense to search for a more natural method.
So, what's a girl to do? While currently there is no cure, some products are believed to minimize the appearance of stretchmarks. Products containing Emu Oil, Oleic Acid, Cocoa Butter, Wheat Germ Oil, Vitamin E and Lanolin are known to strengthen the skin and daily usage should cause these scars to fade.
I'll be going au naturel when it comes to the stretch marks - I've purchased my cocoa butter and hope to smooth them away with a massage a day. Hell, even if it doesn't make them go away, a bit of pampering goes a long, long way!
Stretch marks plague approximately 70% of the adult population - both men and women. They develop when the tissue under the skin is pulled by rapid growth or stretching. Although the skin is usually fairly elastic, when it's overstretched, the normal production of collagen (the major protein that makes up the connective tissue in your skin) is disrupted. The breakdown or tearing of elastin fibers which lie under the skin in its second layer, the dermis, causes the scars we call stretch marks to form. These permanent scars vary in colour and while they may fade, it seems they will always remain as there is, at present, no method of removing them.
Some believe tanning might hide these eyesores, but it is important to remember they result from damaged skin and exposure to light and its effects may cause them to become more unsightly.
Laser treatments are an option, however their effectiveness is questionable in relation to the cost they incur. While they are effective in removing, vaporizing, and breaking down tissues, they are not able to repair the torn tissue which is what stretch marks are. Lasers primarily attack the upper layer of skin, seemingly neglecting the tear.
Surgery to cut away these eyesores is a surefire way to remove stretch marks, however it is a costly option. Abdominal stretch marks occur primarily below the belly button. As much of the skin below the belly button is removed during a tummy tuck, stretch marks in this area will also be removed. However, this is not a procedure to be taken lightly - for starters there's the cost - but also a great deal of pain and a lengthy recovery time. Top that off with scars created by the tuck and the general dangers of surgery and it makes more sense to search for a more natural method.
So, what's a girl to do? While currently there is no cure, some products are believed to minimize the appearance of stretchmarks. Products containing Emu Oil, Oleic Acid, Cocoa Butter, Wheat Germ Oil, Vitamin E and Lanolin are known to strengthen the skin and daily usage should cause these scars to fade.
I'll be going au naturel when it comes to the stretch marks - I've purchased my cocoa butter and hope to smooth them away with a massage a day. Hell, even if it doesn't make them go away, a bit of pampering goes a long, long way!
Monday, 16 April 2007
Going green
Is going green the way to stimulate your weight loss?
A recent study published in the January issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that people who drank a bottle of tea fortified with green tea extract every day for three months lost more body fat than those who drank a bottle of regular oolong tea.
Researchers say the results indicate that catechins, found in green tea, may trigger weight loss by stimulating the body to burn calories and lower body fat.
While a study like this may sound like green tea is the answer to your prayers, a pinch of salt and a careful eye is needed - note the results were between green and oolong tea. Over the last few years, there has been a great deal of controversy about this ancient Chinese remedy.
In her book Green Tea: The Natural Secret for a Healthier Life, Nadine Taylor states that green tea has been used as a medicine in China for over four millenia - using it to treat everything from headaches to depression.
The Kissa Yojoki, or Book of Tea, written by Zen priest Eisai (1191) describes how drinking green tea can have a positive effect on the five vital organs, particularly the heart. The book discusses tea's medicinal qualities, which include easing the effects of alcohol, acting as a stimulant, curing blotchiness, quenching thirst, eliminating indigestion, curing beriberi disease, preventing tiredness, and improving urinary and brain function.
Eight hundred years later,Western medical research indicates that there are health benefits in the brew. It is reputed to be helpful with many ailments including: rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease and impaired immune function. The Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1994) published the results of an epidemiological study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent. University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. Research also indicates that drinking green tea lowers cholesterol levels as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) to bad (LDL) cholesterol.
In recent years, green tea has become associated with weight loss for it's magical fat burning properties. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Nov. 1999) reported the findings of a Swiss Study at the University of Geneva. Researchers found that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo.
Japanese researchers claim if you drink five cups of green tea a day, you'll burn 70 to 80 extra calories. Dr. Nicholas Perricone , an anti-aging specialist, appearing on the Oprah Winfrey show, assured viewers that by swapping their coffee for green tea, they could lose 10lbs in 6 weeks. However, one must take into account that swapping a coffee laden with cream and sugar for a zero-calorie cup of green tea on its own would cause weight loss.
There are seemingly no drawbacks for overconsumption of green tea aside from insomnia as it contains caffeine. However this is unlikely to occur as the average serving only contains 20mg of caffeine.
However, as a miracle weight-loss drug, I just don't think there's enough REAL research out there to back up these weight-loss claims. Teas in general have anti-oxidant properties as well as diuretic ones - so I think I'll stick with Monkey and drink my PG Tips.
A recent study published in the January issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that people who drank a bottle of tea fortified with green tea extract every day for three months lost more body fat than those who drank a bottle of regular oolong tea.
Researchers say the results indicate that catechins, found in green tea, may trigger weight loss by stimulating the body to burn calories and lower body fat.
While a study like this may sound like green tea is the answer to your prayers, a pinch of salt and a careful eye is needed - note the results were between green and oolong tea. Over the last few years, there has been a great deal of controversy about this ancient Chinese remedy.
In her book Green Tea: The Natural Secret for a Healthier Life, Nadine Taylor states that green tea has been used as a medicine in China for over four millenia - using it to treat everything from headaches to depression.
The Kissa Yojoki, or Book of Tea, written by Zen priest Eisai (1191) describes how drinking green tea can have a positive effect on the five vital organs, particularly the heart. The book discusses tea's medicinal qualities, which include easing the effects of alcohol, acting as a stimulant, curing blotchiness, quenching thirst, eliminating indigestion, curing beriberi disease, preventing tiredness, and improving urinary and brain function.
Eight hundred years later,Western medical research indicates that there are health benefits in the brew. It is reputed to be helpful with many ailments including: rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease and impaired immune function. The Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1994) published the results of an epidemiological study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent. University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. Research also indicates that drinking green tea lowers cholesterol levels as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) to bad (LDL) cholesterol.
In recent years, green tea has become associated with weight loss for it's magical fat burning properties. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Nov. 1999) reported the findings of a Swiss Study at the University of Geneva. Researchers found that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo.
Japanese researchers claim if you drink five cups of green tea a day, you'll burn 70 to 80 extra calories. Dr. Nicholas Perricone , an anti-aging specialist, appearing on the Oprah Winfrey show, assured viewers that by swapping their coffee for green tea, they could lose 10lbs in 6 weeks. However, one must take into account that swapping a coffee laden with cream and sugar for a zero-calorie cup of green tea on its own would cause weight loss.
There are seemingly no drawbacks for overconsumption of green tea aside from insomnia as it contains caffeine. However this is unlikely to occur as the average serving only contains 20mg of caffeine.
However, as a miracle weight-loss drug, I just don't think there's enough REAL research out there to back up these weight-loss claims. Teas in general have anti-oxidant properties as well as diuretic ones - so I think I'll stick with Monkey and drink my PG Tips.
Loosening Up
Last month on a trip to the GP, my son, who is obsessed with gadgets asked if we could get a body fat monitor. At £2.99, I have to say I was intrigued.
Taking it home and entering in my weight details, I was mortified to get a reading of 54%. Surely this just isn't possible...but hey ho, I'll go with it. Re-taking the test and updating my details, it gave a reading of 47.1% on Monday. At least I know I am losing something!
While I am determined to lose my excess weight and am aware that it WILL happen, one of my fears is that of loose abdominal skin and excess skin on my arms. While I know stretchmarks are unavoidable - they can be reduced in appearance with regular applications of cocoa butter. However, one of my little fantasies is to wear a bikini one day in the not-so-distant future...how could I do that with an apron of loose skin hanging beneath my bust?
My answer? Tummy Tuck. Perhaps I've seen far too many Extreme Makeovers, but it seemed to be the only choice.
However, fitness instructor Ron Brown believes that such extreme measures are not necessary. The author of the Body Fat Guide feels that natural weight loss may be the solution.
Ron asks: "Is "loose skin" really unavoidable and inevitable after substantial weight loss? I believe the answer is no!The human integumentary system (skin) is not a passive layer of tissue that remains stretched out like an empty plastic bag after losing large amounts of bodyweight. Rather, it is a living organ, actively adapting to the body's internal and external environments."
While many resort to the surgeon's knife to remove these folds of what they consider only skin, Brown believes that the skin is not so much loose as it is flabby due to excess body fat.
As for the drooping folds, Ron adds: "In my opinion the droopy appearance of folds of skin is most probably caused by crash diets that sacrifice large amounts of supporting lean body mass. Even less severe diets can result in a substantial amount of muscle loss over time. "
By improving your body's composition and increasing lean muscle mass, Brown believes that it is possible to non-surgically remove this "loose" skin. He writes: "What is required to assist one in doing all this is an easy method to measure changes in one's body composition (muscle and body fat levels), and a method to monitor and modify one's energy balance, which is the balance between the calories one eats and burns each day."
Reading information like this makes me realise just how much we are manipulated into believing that the surgeon's knife can easily replace hard work. So rather than looking forward to a tummy tuck and its scarring in two years, I'll try a more natural option and grab an exercise dvd and work on replacing lean muscle mass while on my weight loss journey.
Who knows, I may get on the beach in that bikini much sooner than expected!
Taking it home and entering in my weight details, I was mortified to get a reading of 54%. Surely this just isn't possible...but hey ho, I'll go with it. Re-taking the test and updating my details, it gave a reading of 47.1% on Monday. At least I know I am losing something!
While I am determined to lose my excess weight and am aware that it WILL happen, one of my fears is that of loose abdominal skin and excess skin on my arms. While I know stretchmarks are unavoidable - they can be reduced in appearance with regular applications of cocoa butter. However, one of my little fantasies is to wear a bikini one day in the not-so-distant future...how could I do that with an apron of loose skin hanging beneath my bust?
My answer? Tummy Tuck. Perhaps I've seen far too many Extreme Makeovers, but it seemed to be the only choice.
However, fitness instructor Ron Brown believes that such extreme measures are not necessary. The author of the Body Fat Guide feels that natural weight loss may be the solution.
Ron asks: "Is "loose skin" really unavoidable and inevitable after substantial weight loss? I believe the answer is no!The human integumentary system (skin) is not a passive layer of tissue that remains stretched out like an empty plastic bag after losing large amounts of bodyweight. Rather, it is a living organ, actively adapting to the body's internal and external environments."
While many resort to the surgeon's knife to remove these folds of what they consider only skin, Brown believes that the skin is not so much loose as it is flabby due to excess body fat.
As for the drooping folds, Ron adds: "In my opinion the droopy appearance of folds of skin is most probably caused by crash diets that sacrifice large amounts of supporting lean body mass. Even less severe diets can result in a substantial amount of muscle loss over time. "
By improving your body's composition and increasing lean muscle mass, Brown believes that it is possible to non-surgically remove this "loose" skin. He writes: "What is required to assist one in doing all this is an easy method to measure changes in one's body composition (muscle and body fat levels), and a method to monitor and modify one's energy balance, which is the balance between the calories one eats and burns each day."
Reading information like this makes me realise just how much we are manipulated into believing that the surgeon's knife can easily replace hard work. So rather than looking forward to a tummy tuck and its scarring in two years, I'll try a more natural option and grab an exercise dvd and work on replacing lean muscle mass while on my weight loss journey.
Who knows, I may get on the beach in that bikini much sooner than expected!
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