https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-body-transformation--before-photos Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 05:19:21 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-body-transformation--before-photos/page/2#post-589405 Fri, 06 Apr 2012 10:59:11 +0000 ManidipaM 589405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>IK, first of all, you're a brave, brave, brave and motivated woman. I'm in awe. </p> <p>Second, as everyone has said, you look good already yet I can completely get behind your motivation to look *great*. So completely cheering for you.</p> <p>But (did you hear that coming?) I'm going to agree with Meredith and others, and suggest you check in with a nutritionist or doctor about this calorie-restriction plan. For someone your height and weight, that sounds very drastic --- enough to reset your body's metabolism pretty permanently to famine mode, and that is VERY BAD for future health, which is your main stated aim. Those are baseline calories you're talking about, do note! </p> <p>I'm all of 4'10'' and was pretty sedentary when I restricted myself to 1000 calories a day. It worked, sort of, for a little while --- then I started putting on weight like never before. It was years before an actual trained nutritionist cottoned on to what was happening and why --- my diet, while VERY healthy in its components, had been too restrictive and my body was constantly suspecting I was on the edge of famine, so stocking up. I'd be super careful with that, because the way my body reacts to less or more exercise and lowered or extra calories these days is not something I'd want to wish for you. I had to watch not just my diet but my activity (as in, not even TOO much exercise) for years before my body yielded a little, and I still have to be watchful or my weight yo-yos like mad.</p> <p>Another small suggestion: Get a different sports bra? This one doesn't look so much like it is supporting you as it is cutting into you (like bad shapewear)! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-body-transformation--before-photos/page/2#post-589375 Fri, 06 Apr 2012 07:02:04 +0000 goldenpig 589375@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay IK! You look great and toned already but I'm sure you'll feel even more fantastic and conditioned with the new exercise program. Just make sure to take care of yourself and liberalize the calories if they are not enough to sustain you especially with the heavy workouts. Good luck and we're cheering you on! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-body-transformation--before-photos/page/2#post-589277 Fri, 06 Apr 2012 04:53:54 +0000 AJ 589277@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm cheering you on IK!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-body-transformation--before-photos/page/2#post-589160 Fri, 06 Apr 2012 01:43:17 +0000 Jaime 589160@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, I am so impressed you posted before pictures - shows you are really committed. You already look like you are in great shape, but it is far from me to discourage fitness goals. 1200 calories with heavy workouts does sound low, but it you feel ok and are eating a lot of protein, it is your body and you know what you can do.</p> <p>Well that decides it, time to go upstairs and exercise! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-body-transformation--before-photos/page/2#post-589017 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 22:32:59 +0000 Aida 589017@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cheers for your goal, IK! It sounds tough, but you strike me as an incredibly tough lady </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-body-transformation--before-photos/page/2#post-588841 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:55:23 +0000 bella 588841@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>you are very brave for doing this. I have to admit, you look super nice already. I am smaller in terms of BMI, but I don't think I look near as good as you do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-body-transformation--before-photos/page/2#post-588831 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:51:19 +0000 HelenInCanada 588831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good luck with your goal! Be careful, though, not to go to the extreme, diet-wise. If you can't maintain certain eating habits, the new toned you will be back to square one in short order! I speak from experience. ;)</p> <p>Suz and Teri - WOW! Amazing job! You're both stunners in your After pics. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-body-transformation--before-photos#post-588827 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:49:38 +0000 Mo 588827@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm rooting for you!! Go go go! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-body-transformation--before-photos#post-588815 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:35:51 +0000 Mochi 588815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi. Not to hijack IK's excellent thread, but Suz (and others), your results and your method are both phenomenal, and I hope that when I start reading the books (which I absolutely plan on doing--soon!), you will indulge me if I private message you with any questions? I also took off about 50 lbs back 8 years ago, and that was with weight training and portion control/basic healthier eating. (Obviously, I need to lose about another 40 or so--I've been stuck in a holding pattern for a long time, but feel finally ready to get back to working on my weight loss goals.) I can't speak for others, but I am positive that for me there is no point in incorporating a diet that wouldn't be similar to the way I want to eat for the rest of my life. I just lack the willpower to restrict myself; I'm way too rebellious but can "trick" myself into eating smaller amounts and reasonable types of food, if this makes any sense at all. </p> <p>Like I said, Iron Kurtain looks great as it is, but I'm sure she will be thrilled with her toned body. It's not just the looks but the changes in energy levels and ability to do so many more activities tirelessly and with better form. </p> <p>Thanks for starting this thread, and to all who contributed! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-body-transformation--before-photos#post-588755 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 18:13:26 +0000 Sunita 588755@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow...this is really inspirational! I've lost a few (7-8) pounds in the last year and am taking martial arts classes in the hopes that it will help me be fit and healthy as I age (I'm 42 as well). I'm 5'3 and around 122 lbs.</p> <p>I'll be following your progress and cheering you on...it will keep me on track as well! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-body-transformation--before-photos#post-588742 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 18:04:38 +0000 Meredith1953 588742@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Suz,<br /> I am so glad that you shared what worked for you. I went from 148 lbs at 5' 6 1/2" down to 130 without really watching any calories at all. I ate 4 or 5 times a day, drank lots of water, and avoided empty carbs and sugar. Exercise was the critical to my losing the weight. It took about 8 months to do it but I have kept it off for several years. Occasionally I am up a lb or two and then I know to take a few extra walks and be a little more careful about empty carbs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-body-transformation--before-photos#post-588738 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 18:03:06 +0000 teri 588738@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>very inspiring thread.... It can be done, but it does take some work</p> <p>Here's my embarrasing before / after 77lb difference and it took 2 years. Sadly I've put back on about 25lbs and need to get back on track </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-body-transformation--before-photos#post-588722 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:53:28 +0000 Anonymous 588722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good luck to you! You're a brave soul posting a before picture. I would never even let anyone *take* a picture of my before (36 lbs ago). I hope the endorphins kick in fast and you start feeling really good right away. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-body-transformation--before-photos#post-588692 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:38:40 +0000 Jewell 588692@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sarah took the words right out of my mouth, "You GO, girl!" Here's to phenomenal results and long-term healthy lifestyle changes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-body-transformation--before-photos#post-588685 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:35:16 +0000 cciele 588685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats on starting on your fitness journey! I totally get the need to get fit to build a foundation for the later years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-body-transformation--before-photos#post-588656 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:24:35 +0000 Suz 588656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay...first, I just want to second what Angie and others have said and tell you that you look great already as you are, IK. BUT...having said that, I do support your goals because, as you see, I also felt a need to get more fit. And have done so. </p> <p>But...no 1200 calorie a day diets for me. I ate four or five meals a day, no strict meal plan. I did not count calories at all. (Still don't). </p> <p>I ate: lots of lean protein, most starchy carbs post workout, lots and lots of vegetables. I worked out with weights, plus did some high intensity interval training/ conditioning workouts. And I aimed for lots of rest and relaxation and sleep. </p> <p>I lost 33 pounds in 6 months, lots of body fat, and I have lost additional fat (plus a few pounds) in the year and a half since I finished the program. </p> <p>I followed Lean Eating by Precision Nutrition. <a href="http://www.precisionnutrition.com/products/consultation-coaching" rel="nofollow">http://www.precisionnutrition......n-coaching</a></p> <p>Disclaimer: I now work for this company as a writer. But I would not have taken the job if I did not believe in what they do. </p> <p>Once every two weeks, participants learn a new core nutritional habit. They practice this habit for a while before the next one is introduced. This way, changes are slow, but long-lasting. There is a forum (like this one) for support, and ongoing coaching online. I found the supportive community invaluable; it is a lot like this place; lots of women going through the same issues and lots of understanding and encouragement. </p> <p>Like IK, I didn't care about the number on a scale. I don't even own a scale! I just knew my health was getting worse and I wanted to make changes. </p> <p>My blood pressure is now normal, my energy went up, and I feel 100% better. This plan is possible for plant based eaters to follow as well, or people who want to do a paleo/primal/ancestral type diet. </p> <p>Happy to answer more questions back-channel! </p> <p>And that's it for today's infomercial! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-body-transformation--before-photos#post-588648 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:21:04 +0000 Janet 588648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>IK, you are starting with the same numbers as I did when I started running last year. I'm not sure exactly what my weight is now, somewhere in the 135-140 range, but I did go down 1-2 sizes in my clothes. I took a long time though -- Six months or so. I did not really set out to lose weight, just to be able to run the better part of 13.1 miles, but I logged my calorie intake and exercise, and was generally working on a calorie allocation of about 1500/day (more on days when I work out). 1200 does seem low for a period of time when you are upping your activity! </p> <p>I agree with Anna -- numbers really are tricky and not especially helpful. At 5'7" I look quite big at 150+ lbs because of my light-boned frame. I frankly do not carry "extra" weight well. </p> <p>I agree with the ladies that you already look wonderful, but I wish you all the best in your quest! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-body-transformation--before-photos#post-588626 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:10:41 +0000 Anonymous 588626@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good luck reaching your health and fitness goals! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-body-transformation--before-photos#post-588622 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:08:39 +0000 jayne 588622@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Solidarity!!! Good luck! Any quick tips about those 1200 calories....is it all protein? </p> <p>Una, is the 'eat to live' the vegetarian plan? I might have read that? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-body-transformation--before-photos#post-588603 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:02:04 +0000 citygirldc 588603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Iron - you look great to me and good luck on your weight loss journey. I'm not that brave to show my body at least not just yet. </p> <p>Suz - you look greats but how did you managed to get so cut? I exercise but I know I need to cut out some extra carbs that I sneak in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-body-transformation--before-photos#post-588589 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:56:29 +0000 Kate 588589@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>IK, all I can say is that you have a REALLY adorable figure. Tone it up by all means, and good luck with your workout efforts. You are inspiring me to do more in that arena. However, I'm with Meredith in thinking that 1,200 calories a day is pretty drastic, so I hope you don't stay at that reduced level for too long. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-body-transformation--before-photos#post-588564 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:37:46 +0000 Aziraphale 588564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm out here in the stands cheering you on! You go girl. Not that you're not already fabulous, but if being in good physical shape is your goal (and it's a worthy goal), then I'm rooting for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-body-transformation--before-photos#post-588540 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:01:53 +0000 Meredith1953 588540@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Eating less than 1200 calores per days seems sort of drastic. Everything I have read indicates that below that number most people's bodies go into a sort of starvation mode and that their metabolism actually slows down even more. Not trying to sound skeptical but my understanding is that weight loss should be no more than 1-2 lbs a week maximum in order to shed fat and preserve muscle. I do applaud the really kick-butt exercise program you are undertaking. I'm just questioning the low amount of calores you are aiming for. *Ducking* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-body-transformation--before-photos#post-588535 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:57:09 +0000 Mochi 588535@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your before is what I'd be thrilled with for an after, but I realize we're all different, and your reasoning for doing this makes perfect sense. I wish you great luck, and am here to cheer you on! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-body-transformation--before-photos#post-588534 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:56:44 +0000 rae 588534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I only have a quick second, but I admire you for doing this. I have been trying to work out for a while, only to fall off the wagon at various points when any stressers come up. High five for going after your goals!</p> <p>PS: you and Suz are awesome for posting the before/after photos! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-body-transformation--before-photos#post-588524 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:46:42 +0000 catgirl 588524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>IK, I am going to follow and cheer you on! You are a tough brave chica and I know you'll see this through. I agree with the others that you look great already.</p> <p>15 pounds is a lot to lose if you're also adding muscle, and I hope you will not be required to stay on such a low-cal diet while exercising so hard! I tend to look at size rather than weight for that reason - I used to weigh the same but be all muscle and a lot smaller.</p> <p>I've been doing the "Eat To Live" plan which has been working well, but I sure could use a more rigid exercise routine!</p> <p>Suz, what did you do between before and after? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-body-transformation--before-photos#post-588520 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:42:34 +0000 ironkurtin 588520@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jonesy - just more fit. I'll be 42 this year, and I want a healthy foundation for the second half of my life - bone density, metabolism, etc. I really don't care about numbers on a scale or what pants size I wear, but I don't like the unhealthy weight I gained from being in Austin and in the car (instead of walking like in NYC) and I figure, if not now, when? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-body-transformation--before-photos#post-588516 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:38:18 +0000 Jonesy 588516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Angie and Carole--you look fab to me just the way you are! Are you trying to get skinnier or get more fit, or both? I wish you luck on your journey. 1200 calories/day seems sort of brutal :). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-body-transformation--before-photos#post-588510 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:34:08 +0000 Ana 588510@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! This is awesome! Good luck, IK! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-body-transformation--before-photos#post-588509 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:33:47 +0000 Carole 588509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you already look great! Good luck and keep us posted on your progress. Are you following a special diet/plan?The hardest part for me is getting used to feeling hungry, knowing that it's good to not feel full and satiated all the time. </p>