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OK, so here goes. I’m now down to 23% body fat and here’s what I look like!
When I posted my first entry on this blog eight weeks ago I was at 28% body fat, so I’m now halfway to my 18% target!
I am beginning to wonder if 18% body fat might be a little too low, however. I feel like I still have a little bit to lose to get as lean as I’d like to be, but not a great deal more.
For now I’ll keep doing what I’m doing and stop at a point that feels right.
Anyway, hopefully in a few more weeks I’ll be posting some shiny happy “After” photos.
I’m not sure if you’ll really be able to see much difference between how I look in these photos and the “Before” shots I posted eight weeks ago, probably due to the fact that my vanity wouldn’t allow me to post the worst ones! Believe me though, the difference is very noticeable. When I see people I know almost all of them comment that I’ve lost weight and toned up – which is, of course, fantastic to hear.
Plus, I’m fitter, my skin looks better, my clothes fit better and are more comfortable and I now feel much more confident in the way I look.
Don’t get me wrong, I totally encourage everyone to feel good about themselves, no matter what their shape, but, as a fitness journalist and personal trainer, I feel much better about dispensing fat loss advice to other people when I don’t have an issue with it myself.
What do you reckon, can you see a difference between now and “Before”?
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Well done, can see a change definitely. I’ve lost about 3.5 kgs since I started but still have a bit of a way to go. My main problem is the lump of fat I have under my belly button which I’ve had all my life & no amount of ab work gets rid of it. Thinking it might be food related – what do you think? I don’t think you should go much lower on the %. You look great x
Thanks Lesley! That’s a great loss, well done! Ab work won’t get rid of belly fat I’m afraid. All it will do is strengthen the muscles underneath it. It could be a gut issue, but I think it’s more likely to be just an area where your body stores fat (sorry!). Most of us find the places where we most want to lose fat on our bodies are the last areas to shrink, it’s just the way it is I’m afraid! Hang in there with fat loss and I think that belly will shrink in the end. But if you are really concerned that it might be bloating you could talk to a dietician or maybe think about getting some food allergy testing from somewhere like Yorktest. Hope that’s helpful! Jx
i think that bump is a female thing. almost every woman i talk to at the gym has it & can’t shift if. The only time i have got rid of it was when i was severely underweight & looked quite ill.
Jenny
Good point Jenny – guys too I think! Not many people have totally flat tummies all the time. My belly might look quite flat in those pics, but sitting here now after tucking into a big dinner it definitely isn’t!
A definite difference!
Well done and thank you for posting about this, you’re a big inspiration.
Aw, thanks Claire! Jx
you can definitely see a difference. You’re body will tell you in other ways when you’re body fat it too low too Julia.
Jenny
Thanks Jenny
Think your scales are lying you look absolutely fabulous, I wouldn’t go down to 18% you should stop at 20-21%.
Thanks Simon
The difference is definitely noticeable! The tone is great.
Congrats – & thanks for the inspiration.
Always such an honour when someone says this blog has inspired them. Thanks so much Emily.
You are doing really well. Guess you need to up the weights, up the fat burning cardio, skip unhealthy food, and personally Yoga and Pilates are helping me. But I’m telling you stuff you already know anyway.
You look great.
A noticable difference, you look fantastic! Most importantly hope you are feeling great for taking action and moving towards the goal!
Just caught up with your whole fat loss journey so far and identify with you re the love of running and frustration of it working against fat loss (think it can also produce cortisol which encourages fat storage?). I’m an ultra runner and keen to lose some fat so you’ve inspired me to embark on regular strength training whilst in recovery from doing the West Highland Way Race – before working long runs back into a strength/running combo.
The nutrition area is a minefield – there is so much conflicting advice out there. Read lots recently about benefits of low carb/high natural fat diets for long-term health, yet this doesn’t go hand in hand with distance running. This brings the danger of eating carbs and also lots of fats! Thanks for all the helpful info & advice.
I think you look great, only a little different with your before picture. And it’s not all that dreaded. I’d do anything to be that thin!
http://healthybeautifulblog.blogspot.com/
Hi there,
I can really see the difference and would like to share some of my own story of how I lost weight. I was looking for a way to exercise outside of the gym and found this home workout from http://www.beachbody.co.uk. I can already feel a huge difference in stamina and confidence!
Thanks for posting about your progress!
Awesome job girl! have you heard of kettle bell swings? they are super effective.
Sure, I don’t use kettlebells myself much, but I know some people swear by them.
You can definitely tell a difference from the side. You really don’t have to get to 18%, but everyone has their own goals for whatever reasons so ultimately it’s up to you. Either way, great job!
Thanks!
Hi Julia,
Im building a website to help people find fitness consultants / personal trainers, I was just wondering if its possible to get a mention on your blog? I am also setting up a new page for resources so I will post a link / logo to your blog as soon as its finished if that’s ok!
Thanks,
Raymond
Hi Raymond, sorry about the slow reply. You can drop me an email via the link on the top right of the page.
J
Wow…congratulations. Looking good. Hope you reach your goal.