Rate my profile pic! [Chat]

Since I wanted to clear some space by moving the discussion away from the profile picture thread, I figured I’d just start this new one so we can all hang out and chat here instead 😉—and, uh, if I could just make a quick request to the moderators, please don't go deleting this thread

👍

just a typical Southern girl, honestly, you gotta respect that kind of backbone.

I honestly wonder how much of a thing that topic would even be, or if anyone would've actually bothered posting a photo if there wasn't a chat thread driving the hype 🙄

I didn't really feel like saying anything back then since I wasn't planning on posting any photos anyway.
But now? Maybe I actually will. Honestly, Olive, I totally pictured you as being super skinny and, well, lacking curves
but you've definitely got some great assets.😁

Carol Parker said:that’s why I didn't say anything back then... wasn't planning on posting any pics.
but maybe I will now... honestly, Dana Miller2, I totally pictured you as some skinny beanpole with nothing going on up top
but damn, you actually got curves.😁

And I'm not even skinny anymore😢.
Anyway, since I've been trying to shrink my chest, I really just want them small and perky... kind of like those silicone implants your friends have😁.
So I measured myself yesterday after a month of this, and yeah, I lost inches everywhere else, but the chest? Not budging. It's an impossible mission...😢

Dana Miller2 said:And I’m not even looking bony anymore 😢.
Personally, my goal is to reduce my bust size—I want small and firm, much like those silicone implants you have... 😁.
Even after a month, I checked my measurements yesterday: I've lost inches everywhere else, yet my chest remains exactly the same. It feels like an impossible mission... 😢

I just saw your photo! If I judge based on how much you work out... I hope I'll be close to your physique in maybe two or three months 😍.

I really need to put in the effort now... because I certainly won't have this kind of willpower or motivation later on!
As for wanting smaller breasts? Hmm... I don't quite see why, given how proportional they are to your frame... but to each their own, I suppose!

Thanks for the encouragement! I headed out to the pharmacy (walking all the way there between 2:00 AM) and couldn't find any nettle capsules anywhere. They only had raw nettle. In the end, I just grabbed some Italian water-retention supplement, and now my mother is acting like I'm poisoning myself... she's practically breathing down my neck about it. You can never win with her. I'm planning to head toward New York City soon, where perhaps the air will be a bit more forgiving regarding my goals! kisses

Nancy Hernandez43 said:I just saw your photo! Looking at how much you work out... I’m hoping if I stick to this for 2-3 months, I can get close to your physique😍

I really need to put in the work now... I know I won't have this much motivation later on!
As for wanting smaller breasts? Hmm... I'm not sure why, they seem pretty proportional to your frame, but hey, to each their own!

Thanks for the support! I swung by the pharmacy (walked over there around 2 PM) looking for nettle capsules, but they were totally out of stock. They only had the dried herb. I ended up grabbing some Italian water-retention supplement, and now my mom is breathing down my neck, acting like I'm poisoning myself. I can never win with her. I'm heading toward New York City soon, so hopefully the vibe will be a bit more chill regarding my goals! kisses

How long have you been training, and have you noticed any weight changes? Also, are you getting enough Omega-3s and healthy fats? Keep an eye on that. It's essential for anyone trying to lose weight—you have to give your body enough fat so it doesn't panic and start storing everything instead of burning it.

Nancy Hernandez43 said:I just saw your photo! If I judge by how much you work out... I'm hoping I can be close to your shape in maybe 2 or 3 months😍

I really gotta put in the work now... later on, there's no way I'll have this much drive or motivation!
And you want me to have smaller breasts? Hmm.. idk why, they seem pretty proportional to my body.. but whatever!

Thanks for the support! I hit up some pharmacies (walked all over town between 2 and 4) and couldn't find any nettle capsules anywhere. They only had plain nettle. Ended up grabbing some Italian water-retention stuff instead, and now my mom thinks I'm poisoning myself and wants my blood... she's always like that. Can never see eye to eye with her. Heading toward Chicago soon, so hopefully the air will feel a bit lighter regarding what I actually want to do! kisses

What capsules, girl? Just grab some regular nettle tea, but not that cheap bagged crap—get the actual dried leaves at a health food store or a local pharmacy. It doesn't taste great, so I mix in a little other stuff and drink it unsweetened. Nettle helps flush out fluids and kicks the metabolism up a notch. Ever since I started drinking it and hitting the gym, those PMS bloating issues are totally gone.
And yeah, just like other herbal teas, you shouldn't drink it constantly; you need to take breaks. I hope this isn't against the rules and won't get 🙄
deleted.

I remember once trying to brew some nettle tea myself, and man, let me tell you—it was absolutely revolting.
Uvin tea is a total lifesaver compared to that stuff. But what about those herbal blends you pick up at a CVS or Walgreens? Is the taste actually any good?

Carol Parker said:I tried making nettle tea from scratch once... man, it was absolutely disgusting.
Uva tea is a total dream compared to that nettle stuff. And what about the stuff you grab at a drugstore? How's that taste?

I’ve kind of gotten used to it since I drink a ton of herbal teas, but even then, it’s nothing to write home about. It’s definitely better—and healthier—than those cheap tea bags, though. I usually toss in some mint or lavender to mask the flavor... or maybe just throw in a fruit tea bag if that's more your thing. Honestly, Whole Foods has some great blends now with ginger and aloe vera and stuff like that.
There are other teas for flushing out fluids too. I think dandelion works pretty well, but who knows...

Ethan Garcia8 said:How long have you been training, and have you noticed any actual movement on the scale? You really ought to be mindful of your intake of Omega-3s and healthy fats... It is an essential consideration for anyone attempting to shed weight, as one must ensure the body receives sufficient fat to prevent it from stubbornly storing everything in sight instead of actually burning it...

I spent four years deeply immersed in a rigorous fitness routine and cycling, only to face a rather extensive six-year hiatus... and now, I have finally returned to cycling, though strictly as a recreational pursuit without any accompanying strength training...

Since April, I have been quite meticulous about what I consume, supplementing with Omega-3s and experimenting briefly with CLA and L-carnitine before ultimately deciding against both... My dietary habits underwent a significant overhaul around that same time. Previously, meat was a rare indulgence, perhaps once every few weeks, whereas now I incorporate it roughly every third day. I used to rely heavily on whole wheat pasta and rice, but I have since moved away from those staples. My old habits involved far too much Coca-Cola and various processed snacks, not to mention a chocolate habit that ranged from daily treats to an occasional indulgence... Today, thanks to some sheer willpower, I find myself only reaching for chocolate about once every ten days. My meals now consist largely of salads and vegetables; I’ve swapped out those sugary fruit yogurts for plain Greek yogurt and cottage cheese, which I no longer mix with heavy cream... While the scale hasn't budged a single pound in four months, my physical composition has shifted noticeably. In terms of clothing size, I have transitioned from a 16 or 18 down to a 12 or 14, which I suppose is a rather lovely bit of progress...

I intend to maintain this exact pace until the weather finally cools down enough that I lose all motivation to even think about hopping on my bike or lacing up my rollerblades... For now, I have just enough energy left to finish off a massive steak.🤣It truly is exactly as stated...

Regarding the water retention issue, I consulted with my grandmother—who holds an advanced degree in chemical engineering and biology—and she suggested I opt for nettle capsules rather than tea, mostly because I know for a fact the taste would be intolerable for me. Unfortunately, the local pharmacies didn't carry the specific brand she had in mind, so I picked up some alternatives just to test the waters... If these don't prove effective, I suppose I'll have to resort to brewing tea, though I'm far too lazy when it comes to all that kitchen prep...

Of course, I am more than willing to accept any advice offered... As you can see from the photos, my waistline is non-existent at the moment; my stomach is constantly bloated, and my only goal is to finally achieve that sleek, toned silhouette I’ve been dreaming of. As for abdominal exercises, I haven't really prioritized them, though I do perform most of my lower back movements from a standing position, but perhaps it is time to incorporate some floor-based core work as well... Regarding my legs, the muscle definition is currently being completely masked by a layer of stubborn fat, making my pants fit like they’re struggling to stay up...😂 Perhaps running will eventually remedy the situation...

Carol Parker said:👍

Maria Barrett81, obviously—I have to hand it to you, that was quite a bold move.

Well, thank you very much. And once again, I’m the one who went ahead and posted the photo.

P.S.: Honestly, I feel like this entire thread is somewhat redundant, but fine, let it stay up if it must...

Maria Barrett81 said:Thanks so much. I went ahead and posted the photo again.

P.S.: Honestly, I feel like this whole thread is kind of pointless, but whatever, let it stay up...

The progress is actually super obvious. If you ask me, your face looks leaner already. Plus, looking at your whole silhouette, you’re starting to look more like a fit woman rather than just looking overweight like you did before.

Look, she might have a few pounds to lose, but besides that—it’s just a bunch of women showing up just to brag and fishing for whatever little compliment they can get. 😉

nimbletinker10 said:yeah, whatever, some girls might have a few pounds to drop, but honestly... most of them just show up looking for an ego boost and waiting to hear someone tell them how great they look😉

Did you even notice the guys in those photos?

stormyheron4 said:There’s actual progress happening here, believe me. If I’m being honest, your face looks a bit more defined, and looking at your whole silhouette, you’re finally starting to look more like a toned woman rather than just someone who was overweight, which is how you came across to me before.

That is easily one of the nicest compliments I’ve received in quite some time.
I am definitely getting back out there for my morning runs tomorrow. 🙂

You look amazing! Seriously, the progress is so obvious—just keep taking it easy and you’re going to be an absolute superstar model
in the States 😁
By the way, I actually started this thread just to nudge the moderators—since we had such a great start on that other thread, I figured we could keep the conversation going right here while we post all our photos 🙏

Alright then, if you insist...
Whoever manages to outdo my take on Gutta-percha in the comments is getting a little something from me, haha.
Thanks, goldenfox24

So, here’s my take... when we talk about a thread like "Photos," I really think it implies sharing a shot along with some actual conversation. I mean, what’s the point of posting a picture if nobody’s there to chat about it? To me, it feels a bit pointless if it's just a silent gallery (though, sorry to the OP if you disagree!). By "commenting," I’m talking about real, organic posts—just the kind of stuff we’d actually say to each other if we were grabbing a beer at a local pub instead of staring at screens...
Obviously, anyone can jump in and chime in even if they aren't dropping their own photos into the mix.
Bottom line is...