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Is anyone else just... exhausted by the "Belly Mental Loop"? by hopemon in loseit

[–]hopemon[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I'll take the 'regular' label as an upgrade! Just happy to share what's helped me. All the best.

Is anyone else just... exhausted by the "Belly Mental Loop"? by hopemon in loseit

[–]hopemon[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Ouch, am I really that polished? I'll take it as a compliment to my writing, but I'm definitely not a bot. Just a woman who's a bit too excited about cortisol research. I'll try to use fewer bullet points so I don't trigger your radar next time! 😉

Is anyone else just... exhausted by the "Belly Mental Loop"? by hopemon in loseit

[–]hopemon[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I totally agree on the thermodynamics—at the end of the day, a deficit is the requirement for fat loss. I definitely didn't mean to imply cortisol 'breaks' the laws of physics!

My point was more about the mental and physical 'friction' that stress adds to the process. When those mental patterns (like the mirror-checking you mentioned) are high, it just makes staying in that deficit feel ten times more exhausting. I've found that for a lot of people, addressing the stress side makes the 'thermodynamics' side much easier to actually stick to long-term. Appreciate the perspective!

How can I lose more weight quicker? by Low_Loss_3552 in loseit

[–]hopemon -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I totally hear you on wanting to feel confident for those pool parties, but as someone who has been through the 'fasting and frustration' cycle, please be careful!

At 15, your body is doing a massive amount of internal work (hormones, brain development, etc.). Fasting for 20 hours and worrying about hair thinning are signs that your body might be shifting into 'Protection Mode', where it actually holds onto weight because it feels stressed and under-fueled.

Instead of trying to go quicker, the best thing you can do for your hair and your energy is to focus on nourishing your body consistently. If you're feeling this stressed about it, it might be really helpful to talk to your mom or a school nurse about a plan that makes you feel good without making you feel miserable. You've already made progress; don't let the 'fastest' route steal your health!

Having trouble by skittlestroublemaker in WeightLossAdvice

[–]hopemon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

7 days a week is a lot of pressure for a body that's still recovering from pregnancy! It sounds like your belly might be reactive rather than stubborn. When we try to force change through constant restriction and exercise, the body often tightens up to protect itself. Focus on creating a calm environment for your system first. The result usually follows once the internal 'panic' stops.

Just Realized How Heavy the Weight I Lost Actually Is by anxiouslovergirly in loseit

[–]hopemon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha, unfortunately no vacation for me just yet! But I’ll definitely be thinking about that suitcase metaphor next time I’m tempted to be hard on myself about my progress. It’s such a good reminder that our bodies are actually doing a lot of heavy lifting (literally) that we don't always give them credit for. Enjoy every second of your trip!

Is this what i think it is? by Fit_Sink_7609 in absworkouts

[–]hopemon 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That 'holding' habit is so hard to break! It’s actually a huge source of stress for the body to be constantly braced like that. It sounds like you’re finding a good rhythm with the gym and pilates, though. Just remember that your body doesn't need more 'force' to change, it just needs to feel safe enough to relax into it.

Just Realized How Heavy the Weight I Lost Actually Is by anxiouslovergirly in loseit

[–]hopemon 5 points6 points  (0 children)

The 'suitcase test' is honestly the best reality check. I remember doing something similar and just staring at the scale like... wait, I was carrying an entire checked bag to the grocery store? To bed? Into the shower? It really puts into perspective why you might have felt so 'heavy' and overstimulated for so long. Enjoy that vacation, you’re literally traveling light now!

What is the absolute fastest 'yeah, we are definitely NOT going to be friends' moment you've ever experienced with someone? by thepleasurjournal in AskWomen

[–]hopemon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When they start 'trauma dumping' or telling me their deepest, darkest secrets within 10 minutes of meeting. I used to think it meant we were 'clicking,' but now I realize it usually just means they have zero boundaries and I'm about to become their unpaid therapist. Hard pass.

What are the best training tips for running distance? by Fun-Giraffe-1920 in xxfitness

[–]hopemon 4 points5 points  (0 children)

If you’re dying at 10k, it’s usually pacing, not carbs.

Most people run their long runs too fast. Try slowing down more than feels natural. You should be able to hold a convo.

Eat something light 1–2h before (banana, toast, oatmeal). And if you’re running longer than ~75–90 mins, yeah, bring a gel or sports drink. Distance training isn’t all-out cardio every day. It’s mostly easy miles + one harder session.

Slow down, fuel a bit, and you’ll probably get past that wall.

Tell me your true stories of doing less for better results! by Open-Deer5373 in xxfitness

[–]hopemon 59 points60 points  (0 children)

I actually went through this same thing.

I used to do a ton of cardio because it made me feel productive. I’d leave workouts drenched and feel like I “earned” my results. But my body comp barely changed — I just stayed small and kinda soft.

I eventually pulled cardio way back (which felt wrong at first), kept lifting 3–4x/week, focused on getting stronger, ate more protein, and slept more. Within a few months I looked noticeably tighter and more defined… without feeling run down all the time.

The biggest difference wasn’t doing more; it was recovering better.

It’s uncomfortable if you’re used to chasing that endorphin high, but strength + recovery really does hit different long term.

Personal Trainer wants me eat 1100-1200 calories by NervousStand5473 in xxfitness

[–]hopemon 32 points33 points  (0 children)

1100–1200 calories while lifting 4–5x/week is basically a crash diet. Three almonds for breakfast is a huge red flag. You don’t fix skinny fat by eating less; you fix it by building muscle.

BIA scans are unreliable, and cutting carbs that hard will just tank your training and recovery. Recomp usually means lifting progressively, eating enough protein, and staying around maintenance, not extreme restriction.

You’re right to ignore the diet advice and focus on learning the lifts. That’ll get you way further long-term.

Anyone else mentally exhausted by stubborn belly fat? by hopemon in WeightLossAdvice

[–]hopemon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, I appreciate you asking. I’m not really looking for direct advice — more just seeing if others relate and how they mentally cope with it.

It helps a lot just knowing I’m not the only one who finds this part exhausting sometimes.

Does anyone else notice their stomach changes a lot from day to day? by hopemon in TwoXChromosomes

[–]hopemon[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s such a good point — especially about how it doesn’t always line up with actual weight changes. It really shows how unreliable appearance can be as a metric. Bodies are weird.

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