imstormtrooper - I must start out by saying that you're a rockstar! Losing body fat is often really rough for women. It's not easy to shed the lbs for anyone so don't get discouraged! I'm sure those first 4 weeks were really rough for you but it get's easier from there I promise. Two years ago I was just like you used to be - cut the carbs and lose 10lbs- but then my metabolism plummeted and I gained a massive amount of weight in body fat. I've been working really hard just like you to shed the fat and I too have been exactly where you are but I got past this point just like I know you will!!! Here's what worked for me: - strength and cardio training together. cardio helps keep your heart rate up and your body moving so you'll shed fat faster than you would if you just did strength training. - focusing on my entire body and not just the fat. Change happens from the inside out. Maybe just cutting carbs doesn't work for your metabolism anymore? You have to find something that works for you and your body because we all work differently. I researched a LOT of diet plans and eating routines before I settled on something I thought might work for my body and believe me the trial and error process was harder than the workout routines. Perhaps you should attempt a detox diet to release the toxins in your body and start from there. We put a LOT of shit inside of us that we really can't digest or handle metabolically so releasing some of that filth might help you to start seeing better results. Not only will it help your internal health but your skin, hair, nails, eyes and pretty much everything else will start looking and feeling better too. - you mentioned you have a husband and obviously I don't know anything about your love life but having more sex is always a good way to increase your endorphins and keep you happy and positive. Not only that but it's also a great cardio workout!! Keeping a positive attitude about your entire life really helps you to keep your head up when your body keeps you down. - Have a little chocolate here and there. Seriously it's been proven that if you let yourself have the things you really crave in small portions you are less likely to over eat in order to "replace" the cravings with things you might think are better. Everything (even super foods) are bad for you in excess. Portion control is key. - Research the health benefits the food you eat have. You will be surprised what veggies and olive oil can do for you. Knowledge is power. - Get enough sleep and don't obsess about your lack of change. Stress is the bodies worst enemy and will have negative effects on your fat loss plan. - Drink tons of water. Our bodies are stupid. Sometimes they think we are hungry when really all we want is hydration. - Look at yourself in the mirror every day and tell yourself that you are beautiful and that you can accomplish anything. This sounds really silly but positive reinforcement is a HUGE part of the American culture and who better to believe in you than yourself? Love yourself and embrace who you are and the change that you want to see in yourself (although slow coming) will seem more achievable. I hope some of that was helpful? If not then I'm sorry you read through all of that lol The most important thing I can say is that it is super hard to achieve the goals you want but KEEP MOVING FORWARD AND DO NOT GIVE UP!!! You are beautiful and powerful and you can do anything you set your mind to!
