The Dreaded Bikini! How much weight left do I need to lose to look good?

[Stefani1]

Hey everyone! In case you haven't read my other posts, I started out at 250 lbs and am currently at 160. I'm looking to lose another 20-30 pounds, or essentially enough weight to look good in a bikini for the first time in my life!

I would really appreciate your feedback. I'm still really self-conscious, so please be nice. I know I'm carrying some extra fat so please don't tell me that!

I would like you to tell me how much left I need to lose in order to look good at the beach this summer. Also, it would be really helpful if anyone told me how to lose the rest of my weight.

I'm kind of stuck at 160. I work out everyday, running for approximately two miles and then weight lifting for about an hour. I tend to focus on my back, shoulder, chest, and arm muscles. Also, I have an ab routine where I mostly focus on my side abs.

I eat chicken, rice, green beans, oatmeal and protein bars and shakes.

I look forward to your feedback! I will be posting a pic of what I would like to look like in the future as soon as I can, so that you can all compare my current self to what I consider an "ideal" body.

 

[Stefani1]

This is the "ideal" I was talking about

This is what I would like to look like in the future with your help and input guiding me!

 

[maindude]

Now that I look at you in a bikini I don't think you have that much work in front of you. I think those other clothes that you were wearing in the other pics were a little too tight. I would say try to lose another 10lbs to 15lbs and see where that brings you. And for your info that girl looks too skinny.

 

[Stefani1]

Now that I look at you in a bikini I don't think you have that much work in front of you. I think those other clothes that you were wearing in the other pics were a little too tight. I would say try to lose another 10lbs to 15lbs and see where that brings you. And for your info that girl looks too skinny.

Thanks for the input! 10-15 pounds seems pretty manageable. I hope I get there! So you think I should wait until I lose 10 pounds to go to the beach? I just really don't want to be embarrassed there. I've been ridiculed all my life for my appearance and I really don't want to add "being shunned from the beach" to my list.

So you think the girl in that photo is unattractive? I thought she was pretty sexy.

As I keep posting progress pics I hope that you will continue to comment! You've been really supportive and helpful!

 

[aravind82]

I'm looking to lose another 20-30 pounds, or essentially enough weight to look good in a bikini for the first time in my life!

Yup I agree with maindude said. After seeing you in a bikini, I don't think you have 30 pounds to lose like you'd like. And you already look good in a bikini!

I would like you to tell me how much left I need to lose in order to look good at the beach this summer. Also, it would be really helpful if anyone told me how to lose the rest of my weight.

It's hard to determine how much it'll take to reach a point you're happy with. But just to reiterate, you look great the way you are right now. Any more is just a bonus! I also think the women in the picture you posted is a tad on the slim side...it's also possible she's been photoshopped anyways! I don't think you should try to compare yourself to somebody else. To me, it sounds like you need to work on your self image right now. You need to accept your body for what it is! It may not be exactly what you desire right now but that's perfectly okay! If it makes you feel any better, I think you look much better in a bikini than the woman in the picture you posted.

I'm kind of stuck at 160. I work out everyday, running for approximately two miles and then weight lifting for about an hour. I tend to focus on my back, shoulder, chest, and arm muscles. Also, I have an ab routine where I mostly focus on my side abs.

I eat chicken, rice, green beans, oatmeal and protein bars and shakes.

If I plug your data into phord (20 yo, 5'9", 160) and at light activity (I think this is a better estimate than sedentary for most people), it shows that you'll burn about 2,149 calories a day. A good estimate for running/walking is to estimate that you'll NET (over what you would burn anyways during that time) an extra 100 calories per mile. So running 2 miles a day would be an additional 200 calories. And depending on the length and intensity of your weight lifting, you're probably burning 2,500 or so calories per day.



I'm assuming you're not eating only those things right? While eating healthier foods is great, losing weight is just a calorie game, need to burn more than you consume.

Are you keeping track of your daily calorie intake? It's very easy to underestimate what you eat. The last few pounds are always the most difficult because you don't have as much leeway with your calories. Trying to eye a portion could have you underestimating by quite a few calories. Do you use a food scale to weigh out your portions? It's easier to figure out the calories in a chicken breast if you know it's 4.6 oz for instance rather than just guessing! If you aren't already using one, there are many online sites to help you track your daily calories. It may be worth your while if you're serious about wanting to lose a bit more.

 

[aravind82]

So you think I should wait until I lose 10 pounds to go to the beach? I just really don't want to be embarrassed there. I've been ridiculed all my life for my appearance and I really don't want to add "being shunned from the beach" to my list.

Hell no, you're "beach ready" now You look beautiful and sexy now! If somebody is going to ridicule you then there's something wrong with them. Plus you shouldn't worry about comments from somebody that would stoop to the level to ridicule another.

So you think the girl in that photo is unattractive? I thought she was pretty sexy.

She's not unattractive by any means. It's just that you don't need to look like that to be attractive! Attractiveness isn't confined to one physique, it comes in all shapes and sizes. You have your own and you need to appreciate it.

 

[Flumes]

Stef...you look gorgeous.

You have a bright smile and you look healthy! The model in the pic is too skinny. You look much more radiant.

She only looks sexy cause her pose is sexy.

You look alot more fun and happy.

Now quit picking yourself apart and start admiring yourself for who you are. You deserve it!

Have a great weekend!

 

[Stefani1]

Yup I agree with maindude said. After seeing you in a bikini, I don't think you have 30 pounds to lose like you'd like. And you already look good in a bikini!

It's hard to determine how much it'll take to reach a point you're happy with. But just to reiterate, you look great the way you are right now. Any more is just a bonus! I also think the women in the picture you posted is a tad on the slim side...it's also possible she's been photoshopped anyways! I don't think you should try to compare yourself to somebody else. To me, it sounds like you need to work on your self image right now. You need to accept your body for what it is! It may not be exactly what you desire right now but that's perfectly okay! If it makes you feel any better, I think you look much better in a bikini than the woman in the picture you posted.


If I plug your data into phord (20 yo, 5'9", 160) and at light activity (I think this is a better estimate than sedentary for most people), it shows that you'll burn about 2,149 calories a day. A good estimate for running/walking is to estimate that you'll NET (over what you would burn anyways during that time) an extra 100 calories per mile. So running 2 miles a day would be an additional 200 calories. And depending on the length and intensity of your weight lifting, you're probably burning 2,500 or so calories per day.



I'm assuming you're not eating only those things right? While eating healthier foods is great, losing weight is just a calorie game, need to burn more than you consume.

Are you keeping track of your daily calorie intake? It's very easy to underestimate what you eat. The last few pounds are always the most difficult because you don't have as much leeway with your calories. Trying to eye a portion could have you underestimating by quite a few calories. Do you use a food scale to weigh out your portions? It's easier to figure out the calories in a chicken breast if you know it's 4.6 oz for instance rather than just guessing! If you aren't already using one, there are many online sites to help you track your daily calories. It may be worth your while if you're serious about wanting to lose a bit more.

Wow, thank you so much for your response! It was so thoughtful and detailed and therefore extremely helpful! I'm glad that you think I look good already It really makes me feel awesome! I don't know how you'd think I look better in a bikini than the model haha but your comment definitely put a smile on my face!

As for working on my self image, do you have any suggestions as to how to do that? I've always been very insecure about the way I look (for good reason!). Many times throughout my life I have been compared to the penguin from batman, with his portly body, large nose and sharp looking teeth lol

On an average day I am eating those things. Sometimes I switch it up and eat a granola bar instead of a protein bar or say peas instead of green beans. On a bad day, where I'm kind of depressed about my body or lack of weight loss progress, I'll indulge and eat reese's peanut butter cups, something I've baked (like brownies, cake or pie), or something cheesy and delicious! Food always makes me feel better when I feel down about my body haha. I don't indulge very often, but I realize this is what could currently be holding me back.

Also, I do not really keep track of my calories, because I've seen so much progress without having to do so! lol but it seems like I'm going to have to start doing that if I want to reach my goal. Can I just google sites that I can keep track of my calories? or do you recommend a specific one?

I truly appreciate your continued support! You've been awesome

 

[Stefani1]

Hell no, you're "beach ready" now You look beautiful and sexy now! If somebody is going to ridicule you then there's something wrong with them. Plus you shouldn't worry about comments from somebody that would stoop to the level to ridicule another.



She's not unattractive by any means. It's just that you don't need to look like that to be attractive! Attractiveness isn't confined to one physique, it comes in all shapes and sizes. You have your own and you need to appreciate it.

You make me feel so good about myself! No one has ever called me beautiful or sexy before posting on this site! Thank you! I'm really sensitive so it's kind of hard for me to not worry about what others think of me, especially when being ridiculed. It'll be something I have to work on.

I just wish I could be universally pretty and sexy and it seems like the girl in that picture would be recognized as such by every man in the world. I'm dying to have someone approach me for a date! I feel like a have a decent personality and I'm successful (doing well at college with a 3.95), so it must be my looks that are driving guys away.

 

[Stefani1]

Stef...you look gorgeous.

You have a bright smile and you look healthy! The model in the pic is too skinny. You look much more radiant.

She only looks sexy cause her pose is sexy.

You look alot more fun and happy.

Now quit picking yourself apart and start admiring yourself for who you are. You deserve it!

Have a great weekend!

Thank you for the compliment! Do you have any suggestions as to how to work on my self confidence? Many people have been telling me that it is something I need to work on, but how can I do this?

I hope you have a great weekend too!

 

[maindude]

I have the same self confidence problem as you. When I was 230 a girl wouldn't even look at me. Now I have a lot of girls looking at me and I don't even know what to do. I have had pretty girls come up to me and I will get really nervous and it would freak them out. Trust me guys are already noticing you. You just haven't realized it yet. That girl in the photo is attractive, but she is way on the skinny side.

 

[Stefani1]

I have the same self confidence problem as you. When I was 230 a girl wouldn't even look at me. Now I have a lot of girls looking at me and I don't even know what to do. I have had pretty girls come up to me and I will get really nervous and it would freak them out. Trust me guys are already noticing you. You just haven't realized it yet. That girl in the photo is attractive, but she is way on the skinny side.

Really? you think guys are already noticing me? I haven't had anyone approach me lol so I don't know. I'm really friendly so I'm assuming they haven't approached me because I'm still not attractive enough. That is why I've been very surprised by the comments I have gotten on this site. No one has ever said such nice things about me before!

I figure once I'm thin enough guys will begin to approach me, at least I'm hoping they will.

The girl in the photo is attractive, and guys would obviously approach her, so wouldn't I need to become tinier for guys to approach me?

 

[xnatsx]

I think you look really good in a bikini already, way better than I do lol. I definately don't think you have to lose another 30 pounds.

 

[Stefani1]

I think you look really good in a bikini already, way better than I do lol. I definately don't think you have to lose another 30 pounds.

lol thanks! If not 30 then how much do you think I have left to lose my tummy and to keep my thighs from touching? I really want to be confident this summer when I go to the beach! If you have any suggestions I would really appreciate your help! I have often been made fun of for my appearance and I don't think my feelings could take it if I went to the beach and that happened. That's why I'm really nervous to go!

Thank you for your feedback! I really appreciate it!

 

[Flumes]

Thank you for the compliment! Do you have any suggestions as to how to work on my self confidence? Many people have been telling me that it is something I need to work on, but how can I do this?

I hope you have a great weekend too!

Sorry hun...I am not the person to ask how to work on self confidence. I am 46 and still am having trouble finding it.

Its definitely psychological....nothing to do with the way we look...only the way we look at ourselves. Probably has to do with our early upbringing...i don't know. I guess a shrink would be the person to ask....but after all these years, its just easier to avoid it or mask it. At least thats the habit that I got in to.

Again, sorry I can't help you there...but from one self-conscious person to another...you have nothing to be self conscious about! lol (If that makes sense! lol)

Take care and enjoy the compliments. I'm sure you'll hear them often!

 

[Shy219]

It's all about how confident you feel being in one.
Honestly, I'm jealous I don't look half as good as you
do in a bikini!
You look GREAT.
You could defiantly wear a bikini now and for sure have guys
checking you out from left to right hahaa.

 

[katie0615]

As for working on my self image, do you have any suggestions as to how to do that? I've always been very insecure about the way I look (for good reason!). Many times throughout my life I have been compared to the penguin from batman, with his portly body, large nose and sharp looking teeth lol

This is awful. No wonder you have self-confidence issues. Cause you look amazing. Seriously. Get rid of the people who say this kind of stuff to you and bring you down. Unsupportive people are not going to help you... unless you are using them as motivation (like a "i'll show you" kind of thing). lol seriously, you're gorgeous. enjoy your bikini body.

 

[aravind82]

As for working on my self image, do you have any suggestions as to how to do that? I've always been very insecure about the way I look (for good reason!). Many times throughout my life I have been compared to the penguin from batman, with his portly body, large nose and sharp looking teeth lol

Ummm I'm probably not the best person to ask for this advice. I'm still working on this aspect too! But you need to start accepting yourself and your body for how it looks and what it can do. Don't worry what some others may say if it's negative. There are MANY people out there that are going to find you attractive. Maybe if we just keep telling you how good you look, that'll help some? hehe Your body has come a long way the past four years...let the mind and your self-perception catch up too!

Also, I do not really keep track of my calories, because I've seen so much progress without having to do so! lol but it seems like I'm going to have to start doing that if I want to reach my goal. Can I just google sites that I can keep track of my calories? or do you recommend a specific one?

It's not necessary to keep track of your calories but it would probably make things easier! It may seem overwhelming at first to keep track of everything but I promise it's not that big of a deal after a while. Especially if you eat many of the same things every couple days, it's not too bad.

I used fitday.com but there are many others out there, thedailyplate.com is pretty popular too so you may just want to give both of them a whirl and see which you like better.

I just wish I could be universally pretty and sexy and it seems like the girl in that picture would be recognized as such by every man in the world. I'm dying to have someone approach me for a date! I feel like a have a decent personality and I'm successful (doing well at college with a 3.95), so it must be my looks that are driving guys away.

It's not your looks that are "driving guys away". I bet they're intimidated if anything! They probably feel that you're "out of their league" even! Perhaps you should try to approach a guy you're interested in for a date? This is easier said than done for you I'm sure...I'm in the same boat. I'm still working on getting enough guts to be able to approach girls with a bit more ease. Just takes time.

 

[Stefani1]

Sorry hun...I am not the person to ask how to work on self confidence. I am 46 and still am having trouble finding it.

Its definitely psychological....nothing to do with the way we look...only the way we look at ourselves. Probably has to do with our early upbringing...i don't know. I guess a shrink would be the person to ask....but after all these years, its just easier to avoid it or mask it. At least thats the habit that I got in to.

Again, sorry I can't help you there...but from one self-conscious person to another...you have nothing to be self conscious about! lol (If that makes sense! lol)

Take care and enjoy the compliments. I'm sure you'll hear them often!

Oh wow! But you've come so far! I saw your pictures and you look great, really. Thank you for the response; it makes me feel better that there are other people who share the same struggles and emotions with me.

And you have nothing to be self conscious about either! You look very fit. haha and your comment does make sense. As for the compliments lol I haven't gotten any outside this forum yet, but maybe one day in the future I will!

 

[Stefani1]

It's all about how confident you feel being in one.
Honestly, I'm jealous I don't look half as good as you
do in a bikini!
You look GREAT.
You could defiantly wear a bikini now and for sure have guys
checking you out from left to right hahaa.

I definitely agree with you! There are so many girls that are attractive just because they exude self confidence. That's something I really need to work on lol And thank you for saying I look great!

Thank you so much for your support I really appreciate it! I hope you'll continue to give me feedback in the future!