So I'd like to be critiqued.

I am a 25 year old female. Start weight on December 28th was 179 lbs and as of yesterday I am 172.6. I have lost about 8 or so inches in total off different parts of my body (mostly midsection).

I get up at 5 am (my kids love getting up early ) so I get them breakfast and end up eating around 6. For breakfast I always have a shake (1 frozen banana, 1 cup skim milk, 1 tbsp ground flax seeds, 1/2 container tofu).

I have a snack at around 9 which is always a piece of fruit.

Lunch is at 11:30 after I've fed the kids. I usually have a bowl of soup (usuall homemade vegetable or chicken vegetable), 2 pieces of bread with 1 oz cheese melted on it.

Snack at 2. Usually 1 c. natural yogurt with 1 tsp low sugar jam

Dinner at 5. Chicken, some sort of grain (usually brown rice or quinoa), 2 different vegetables

Snack at 7. Usually 1/2 grapefruit.

I have calculated my calories for the day and I am usually around the 1500 or 1600 mark.

I've changed my exercise routine around and for the past two weeks it has been like this: I exercise 7 days a week. Two of the day are doing Walk Away The Pounds 2 mile express (1/2 hour), 3 days I do The Firm Body Sculpt (55 minutes) and 2 days I do Tae Bo (60 minutes).

Fitness equiptment I have at home. I have 1 lb wrist weights, 1 lb ankle weights, 3, 4, 5 lb free weights, fitness ball, step (box thing that you step up on), stretchy bands, Tony Little Gazelle. I am able to buy more weights etc, just nothing too terribly expensive.

My ULTIMATE goal is to look like this Bobbie Jo Kolb - Fitness Model / Figure Competitor although I know it's not entirely possible. I have a belly full of stretch marks from having two children, but I would like to look like that with clothes on

Please help me.

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Just don't wear quite as much mascara/eyeliner, or whatever you call that blue crap on her eyes.

It sounds like you're off to a good start. Plenty of exercise with out overdoing it. Eating several meals a day is great as well. Maybe try going to a whole grain bread or pumpernickel or sourdough (both lower GI breads)...but I think you have the right idea!

Keep up the good work.

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LOL. Eyeshadow

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[quote=angaustinbrody;179223]
More protein
More protein

More protein
Finally some protein

Okay so I think you get my point by now I will put it more eloquently. Diet needs to be re-worked. Your goal is very possible don't sell yourself short. I have seen women go from 230 to placing in comps. So set that aggressive goal it is achievable.

Little low for all that training you are doing. Little low for your weight. Raising it just a tad for the time being would be wise and then lowering it as your weight lowers. You should never get below 1500 right now.

Stop doing so much cardio. Get the diet in check, then get a lifting program in check, THEN add some cardio if needed. You need to rest your body, you are over training with the cardio and not eating enough for it. This will cause you to stall. Even if your goal wasn't to get a fitness competitors body these are still the same principals.

Start off with a 3 day a week full body training program. Squats, lunges, Rows, Presses. Make sure you are training in a smart rep range as well.

If I were you I would start doing some reading, here are some good starting points.

Nutrition
John Berardi - Lean Eatin' Part I
John Berardi - Lean Eatin' Part II

Weight Training 101
Weight Training 101 - World Fitness.com


From there pick up where you can, when you can. If it is to much and need some help hook up with a trainer in person or online. Basically take the biggest first step you can into heading in the right direction and then ask questions as needed.

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Leigh Peele-Fat Loss Blog

Thanks for the informative reply.

You would recommend more protein for breakfast even though I'm already getting 24g of protein from the shake?

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Leigh hit the nail on the head. She's exactly right.

I'd say 24g isn't too bad, but in general, you'd rather see REAL protein rather than what's mixed into a shake. Overall, if you follow what Leigh said, you'll be alright.

I've noticed a lot of people trying to limit their caloric intake WAY too much, or doing TOO much cardio vs. not enough weight/strength training.

You seem to have the right idea, but I'd even recommend switching up your workouts every few weeks. It keeps you fresh, and your body away from the dreaded plateau.

But.. keep this up, and you WILL hit those results.

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