Hello everyone, im Emma and I am looking to learn as much as possible about the HRT Transition from MTF.
My biggest fear is that I will not be able to obtain the body I desire, I would prefer and smaller body, not petite, but about average or even a athletic build.
My problem is that I come from a husky men family, we have that Irish/Scottish blood so im a pretty hefty man.
The main method I will be using is HRT, but I will also be doing a srs later down the road. I know that I will need a chin reduction surgery to get the feminine shape, as well as a nose job and Chondrolaryngoplasty.
I currently weigh 290, I am overweight and am working on it by dieting and working out regularly. I am 6'0", I wear size 13 boots, size 42-44 pants, and 2XL is a little loose for my shirts.
If this helps paint a picture (despite how awful it may be).
I know that my current pantie size is 20ish, I would like that to be down to the single digit area, or low double digit area if at all possible.
I guess my question really is, are there any ladies out there who were able to achieve a slim figure after HRT. If so what should I expect and am I setting the bar too high?
I would like to add that this is the main concern I have, as well as the most prominent reason I have been back and forth on my decision to do MTF HRT so any and all help is VERY appreciated!
I can't speak for others, but I know for me once I made the decision to transition it became much easier to take better care of myself. I stopped hating myself and started caring about what I ate, how much I exercised, and how I looked. It was as if I was punishing myself for being male and doing everything possible to destroy the body I despised so much.
I came to the realization that I had to transition or die about a year ago. In that time I have quit smoking, quit drinking, quit abusing prescription painkillers, and have lost over 50 pounds. All of these took very little effort once started liking myself. I can't promise that it will be as easy for you, but I hope that you are able to have a somewhat similar experience.
Okay first HRT blocks testosterone which is instrumental in building a large mass. With most of that being out of your system it will be difficult to build muscle which is good news for you. Furthermore, estrogen works against muscles.
Secondly, CARDIO and lots of it. Cardio tones existing muscle (thus giving shape) and sheds fat.
Thirdly, focus exercises (stay away from weights) that tone the more womanly parts: hips, thighs, buttocks, and abdomen.
Palates (excuse spelling), curls (not sit ups), and numerous leg exercises. This plus 30 minutes of cardio 3 times a week with a 6-day vegan diet and you'll shed weight like you won't believe. You are a big girl so you have your work cut out for you. The cool thing is once you get your body trained, and you get set in the schedule it is easy to maintain.
At 5'5 I had to lose a tremendous amount of weight, I went from 185 down to 115 in a span of 4 months. So it's doable.
-AM
Quote from: Androgynous_Machine on February 12, 2014, 01:04:53 PM
Okay first HRT blocks testosterone which is instrumental in building a large mass. With most of that being out of your system it will be difficult to build muscle which is good news for you. Furthermore, estrogen works against muscles.
Secondly, CARDIO and lots of it. Cardio tones existing muscle (thus giving shape) and sheds fat.
Thirdly, focus exercises (stay away from weights) that tone the more womanly parts: hips, thighs, buttocks, and abdomen.
Palates (excuse spelling), curls (not sit ups), and numerous leg exercises. This plus 30 minutes of cardio 3 times a week with a 6-day vegan diet and you'll shed weight like you won't believe. You are a big girl so you have your work cut out for you. The cool thing is once you get your body trained, and you get set in the schedule it is easy to maintain.
At 5'5 I had to lose a tremendous amount of weight, I went from 185 down to 115 in a span of 4 months. So it's doable.
-AM
Ive always had a bad knee, what kind of cardio would you recommend that is lighter on knee impact, also are there any good substitues if I feel like changing up my routine?
Quote from: allisonsteph on February 12, 2014, 01:02:37 PM
I can't speak for others, but I know for me once I made the decision to transition it became much easier to take better care of myself. I stopped hating myself and started caring about what I ate, how much I exercised, and how I looked. It was as if I was punishing myself for being male and doing everything possible to destroy the body I despised so much.
I came to the realization that I had to transition or die about a year ago. In that time I have quit smoking, quit drinking, quit abusing prescription painkillers, and have lost over 50 pounds. All of these took very little effort once started liking myself. I can't promise that it will be as easy for you, but I hope that you are able to have a somewhat similar experience.
Thats awesome, im glad to hear that it helped you get over that bridge. Im hoping that I will become more concerned with my weight and body when the transition begins, but I want to make as much of a effect as possible ahead of time.
Quote from: Emma1917 on February 12, 2014, 01:29:01 PM
Ive always had a bad knee, what kind of cardio would you recommend that is lighter on knee impact, also are there any good substitues if I feel like changing up my routine?
Biking and cyclicals are all great cardio for bad knees.
Here's something on that, as you lose weight and build/tone leg muscle you'll find your knees are actually getting stronger because you won't have all that excess weight on it and you'll be having new/stronger muscle supporting the knees.
Let me say this though, do not push yourself too hard. Start off slow and work your way up. There's no shame in doing it a little piece at a time. Don't be in a rush as the 6-day vegan diet (1 day you can cheat, so cheat well) will do a lot of the weight loss for you.
Edit: Access =/= Excess
-AM
Quote from: Androgynous_Machine on February 12, 2014, 01:42:40 PM
Let me say this though, do not push yourself too hard. Start off slow and work your way up. There's no shame in doing it a little piece at a time. Don't be in a rush as the 6-day vegan diet (1 day you can cheat, so cheat well) will do a lot of the weight loss for you.
-AM
When doing the diet is that as essential as the workout process to keep up with? I work out every other day currently so that I can recover the day after. And the only thing I have really done with my diet is stop the fast food and soda track. Unfortunately I live a pretty full day to day life having 2 jobs and all, so where are places I can eat out while not breaking the diet that are 'like' fast food places but without all the fried death?
Quote from: Emma1917 on February 12, 2014, 02:05:03 PM
When doing the diet is that as essential as the workout process to keep up with? I work out every other day currently so that I can recover the day after. And the only thing I have really done with my diet is stop the fast food and soda track. Unfortunately I live a pretty full day to day life having 2 jobs and all, so where are places I can eat out while not breaking the diet that are 'like' fast food places but without all the fried death?
If you are at the mercy of having to eat out constantly opt for salads or baked fish and bring lots of snacks with you (I personally use carrot sticks).
It will take a week or two for your body to adjust to the new diet, eventually you'll find yourself needing to eat less. Oh and on that, eat till you are satisfied, do not eat until you are full. The number one problem people run into with regards to weight is eating entirely too much. In America--where everything is bigger the "better"--this is really prevalent. That McDonald's cheeseburger combo meal? Cut it in half, along with the fries, that is about how much you are supposed to eat. I'm not saying to eat there, just giving you an idea of proper portions.
Avoid all caloried drinks. Tea, water, black coffee are great, pretty much everything else is empty sugars that do little more than quench your thirst but add a ton of extra calories.
Sounds to me you are more or less on the right track. Remember your circumstances are different than most people; you are a transsexual and you are trying to obtain the physique of the opposite sex. Which is where body sculpting exercises come into play big time.
-AM
I agree with Andro's post except for one thing .. vegan diet.
Human beings are meat eaters by design (our eyes are forward like a cat or a wolf). Veggie diets are slow suicide. Not enough fats, B-12, protein and other factors that the body uses to build and rebuild itself.
1. See my post in "nutrition."
2. Read "Wheatbelly."
3. Go to http://www.diabeticwarrior.com/
4. Eliminate sugar!
5. Culture your veggies here http://www.culturesforhealth.com/ . We eat kimchi in South Korea (super healthy!). I slice steak, lightly fry it and eat it with kimchi and chop sticks.
6. Drink filtered water and high-quality coffee http://www.bulletproofexec.com/coffee/ never tea. Poisons that accumulate in the plant are pushed out to the leaves.
7. High-quality supplements http://www.pureprescriptions.com/ . Vitamin D, B-12 and iodine a must.
8. Colonic irrigation and fasting (fantastic for your health!) http://www.colema.com/
/end of two cents
Hope this helps...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8udQ-h4Y4BY
-AM
Quote from: Danielle Sherry on February 12, 2014, 02:31:44 PM
I agree with Andro's post except for one thing .. vegan diet.
6-day vegan diet.
I'm not vegan, I'm jsut vegan 6-days of the week. ;0)
-AM
Great vid Andro!
Yeah, diets are a touchy subject. People get real personal about them, sorta like politics or religion. For this reason I tread lightly with this subject.
Everyone has a little piece of gold to give us (I thought your advice was golden). The above is what I've learned over a lifetime. Take what can be used, leave the rest behind.
Quote from: Danielle Sherry on February 12, 2014, 02:54:08 PM
Great vid Andro!
Yeah, diets are a touchy subject. People get real personal about them, sorta like politics or religion. For this reason I tread lightly with this subject.
Everyone has a little piece of gold to give us (I thought your advice was golden). The above is what I've learned over a lifetime. Take what can be used, leave the rest behind.
Oh I didn't mean to come off as commanding, but rather just explaining how I did it. One is certainly free to ignore what I have to say, won't hurt my feelings at all, but in the spirit of helping my sisters I'll happily put out any information I can.
And thank you.
-AM
I was going to ask if on the one free eat day could I still eat meat? Or would that completely botch the diet? And if I can eat meat that day, should I strive for a really high quality or even organic meat as to keep to the healthy diet, or should I just give in to the temptation and get a burger or whatever sounds good? On that note where do breads come into the diet your recommending? Or should I avoid it entirely because it has egg, milk, etc.
Personally all these tips are helping me get to my goal so I appreciate any and ALL tips on dieting. Especially since I have never done one before.
Quote from: Emma1917 on February 12, 2014, 03:01:18 PM
I was going to ask if on the one free eat day could I still eat meat? Or would that completely botch the diet? And if I can eat meat that day, should I strive for a really high quality or even organic meat as to keep to the healthy diet, or should I just give in to the temptation and get a burger or whatever sounds good? On that note where do breads come into the diet your recommending? Or should I avoid it entirely because it has egg, milk, etc.
Personally all these tips are helping me get to my goal so I appreciate any and ALL tips on dieting. Especially since I have never done one before.
Your cheat day feel free to eat whatever you want. Just remember portions.
I think "organic" is mostly a scam to con people out of more money.
During my 6 days I avoided bread. WHen you do decide to eat meat for whatever reason stick to baked fish. Baked fish has almost no negative side effects (as long as they aren't drowned with butter) and the natural fish oil does wonders for your eyes, nails, hair, and other things transwomen find important.
-AM
Quote from: Androgynous_Machine on February 12, 2014, 03:05:09 PM
Your cheat day feel free to eat whatever you want. Just remember portions.
I think "organic" is mostly a scam to con people out of more money.
During my 6 days I avoided bread. When you do decide to eat meat for whatever reason stick to baked fish. Baked fish has almost no negative side effects (as long as they aren't drowned with butter) and the natural fish oil does wonders for your eyes, nails, hair, and other things transwomen find important.
-AM
Ill take all of that into consideration when planning a diet, also that video looks very helpful I will definitely be using that to get the more feminine form I want, thank you for all the good tips and info Andro and Danielle!
Of course your skeletal structure will play a part in your size and shape after losing weight. I tried every diet and exercise there is out there and the only way that I lost weight was by counting calories. I went from around 240 to 160 in way less than a year. I ate everything I normally ate but a whole lot less of it and it worked for me. Once I reached the ten pounds loss mark it gave me a boost to keep it up. Also like someone else said, fasting for me is a good thing. It allows your digestive system to take a break and shrinks your stomach so when you do eat something it takes less to feel full. I usually fast for two days at a time every month or so and just drink water. But the number one rule is that before you start any kind of diet or fasting or change of eating habits check with your doctor first.
Nah Andro, I didn't take it that way. Everyone has an opinion and your boldness got an important ball rolling. My post is only my opinion (I'm not a nutritionist, I just play one on television :laugh: )
Most of my life was spent rejecting who I really was when I chose fear over love (devastating!). Instead of embracing the beautiful woman, wife and mother I was meant to be I hid behind a mask of "super-jock" (pathetic). Having said that, I did learn...
Emma,
1. NEVER eat burgers or any other mass-market junk food. Avoid food with labels and mass-market supermarkets in general.
2. Breads (wheat), pasta, rice etc = poison. (again, consult the book Wheatbelly)
3. "Organic" is not as important as non-GMO. Grow your own veggies if possible. Look for free range and locally grown/raised with all things.
4. Eggs are great for your health. I eat three egg yokes a day (raw). Chickens must be free-range and non-chemicalized. Raise your own chickens if you can.
5. Never (EVER) eat soy or feed it to children.
/end of additional two cents
Emma,
I have a bad knee too.. I have a recumbent bike I ride.. I am up to 45 minutes twice a day every day.. I may be overdoing it but I have lost over 40lbs since October..
I have been on HRt since December 19th.. I can tell you that sometimes change is slow but you can do it.. just make it one day at a time and eat healthy.. and by that I don't mean starve your self..
I have lost a lot of muscle mass already..but my legs are bigger and my butt is gaining weight..love the changes.. just be patient.
Mostly you will find in time its more about being happy with your more female body.. at least for me its been wonderful..
Carrie
Quote from: Danielle Sherry on February 12, 2014, 03:48:30 PM
Most of my life was spent rejecting who I really was when I chose fear over love (devastating!). Instead of embracing the beautiful woman, wife and mother I was meant to be I hid behind a mask of "super-jock" (pathetic). Having said that, I did learn...
Emma,
1. NEVER eat burgers or any other mass-market junk food. Avoid food with labels and mass-market supermarkets in general.
2. Breads (wheat), pasta, rice etc = poison. (again, consult the book Wheatbelly)
3. "Organic" is not as important as non-GMO. Grow your own veggies if possible. Look for free range and locally grown/raised with all things.
4. Eggs are great for your health. I eat three egg yokes a day (raw). Chickens must be free-range and non-chemicalized. Raise your own chickens if you can.
5. Never (EVER) eat soy or feed it to children.
/end of additional two cents
I was going to ask if rice was a okay vegan dish, thanks for beating me to it. Im glad to hear that you got past your fear and moved on to be a wonderful woman/wife/ and mother. I am still working on getting through the fear phase, but each day I am finding it easier and easier to be in touch with my feminine self. I haven't even started my HRT, im super excited to see how far it takes me, but i have alot of work to do before then. Mainly its getting rid of this disgusting body. I did hit a sort of "break through" in convincing myself to become healthy, I took a picture of myself. My "ground zero" photo that I hope to one day compare side by side when im gorgeous and happy.
A site that helped me a lot was myplate.gov. I keep calories below 1400 and do at least 30 mins. of cardio a day. I've had success. A neck and back injury forced me to keep it low impact. The bikes are good, elliptical and arc trainer are better. burned a lot more calories quicker for me. Keep up with calories, at least half plate veggies, eat three meals at appropriate times(don't skip meals or eat large meals). preplanning and preparing meals helped, don't wait til you are hungry to find something to eat. Portion out appropriate amount of food and no more(no grazing). These are the things that worked for me, I agree weed thru the info and find what works best for you.
Here's a trick that might help. True story ...
A cis-woman I know, about 5'7" tall, was slim and seriously cute in her twenties. Then she started putting on weight through her 30s and early 40s until she became this chubby, sexless lump. She knew she had to get a grip and deal with her weight issues, but she didn't know what to do and lacked the confidence to believe she could actually succeed at losing weight.
A while later she met up with her sister - who knew all about her problems - for a regular lunch date. But instead of going to a restaurant, her sister said, 'Come with me,' and took her to the nearest supermarket.
Outside the supermarket, my friend's sister picked out the largest trolley she could find, then she took my friend to the aisle where they had blocks of cooking fat. The sister filled the trolley to the brim with blocks of fat - more than 50lbs of it. Then she said, 'Look at that fat. That's how much you're carrying around with you, everywhere you go.'
My friend was blown away by the image of all that fat, piled up in the trolley. It made her understand what she'd been doing to herself. She started dieting and exercising the next day. She didn't go crazy, just cut down her food intake, bit by bit, and gradually increased her exercise. At first she didn't even go to the gym, or try to run. She just walked instead of taking the car, used stairs instead of elevators, got a dog that had to be walked every day. Once she'd reached a better standard of health and fitness, she got more intense about calorie restriction and fat-burning exercise. But she took her time over the whole process.
A year later she was wearing UK Size 10 dresses (US Size 8) and looked as good as she'd done when I first knew her, 20 years earlier. And she's never gone back to being overweight.
So it can be done ... but first you need a supermarket, a trolley, and a LOT of cooking fat!
despite what mainstream understanding is, exercise in the MtoF female is not a good idea.
I started out as a body builder, my weight at an onset of transition was 227lbs, 6'1''
As a body builder I knew a bit about nutrition, and so I have given in to the knowledge and developed a body plan. It is a strenuous application! Do not full your self a bit, if your commitment isn't at 100% you will NOT succeed!
I was able to bring down weight to 154lbs and height by 2.5" also all the body parts such as feet and hands, diminished greatly in girth giving them feminine proportion or at least falling within feminine look.
And so here is the link, good luck: https://sites.google.com/site/innasbodyplan/ (https://sites.google.com/site/innasbodyplan/)
All good info ladies! I really enjoyed the bombshell work out video and I think will try to start it up soon.
I dont have much to add to this as helpful info. All I can add is I've lost about 30 pounds of weight in the past five months by eating less then I use to and eating more veggie style snacks. I didn't exercise that much so I think I could of lost more by now. I usually run/walk for 15 minutes through light sand everyday and that has been enough for me. :)
Biggest thing I have to add though is keep your body guessing its calorie intake. Spend most of the month eating low cals then when you hit a wall. Start eating heavy for a few days then repeat. I found this to be most effective because I've hit several walls and this cured them.
I'm 5' 9" and started at 220, and I'm now at 190! :) This is the lightest I've been in five years and I plan to make it to 160ish. ;D
On average I walk between 2-5 miles a night at work, not to mention moving and hauling things all over the place. Right now that's my workout, but if I have a period of time off, even if its just 1 day then I am going to the gym and using the bikes and elliptical machines. Im also trying out the vegan diet that was recommended to me, I found a pretty good way to do it as well. Since im always running all over the place and don't have time to just sit and stop at a salad bar i looked to my grocery stores to see about some more options. Turns out that most grocery stores have these nice convenient bags of salad that you can just grab and go. This is prefect for my lifestyle at the moment, and it also satisfy's my desire to go somewhere to get food. Combined with a apple or piece of fruit it makes the perfect meal for me.
Emma, we must be sisters I have the exact same body type is you. I'm just getting getting started as well. I just joined a gym and I'm starting to diet as well. I had the same family history of husky men in my family like so many other ladies on the site I use food for comfort to deal with anxiety and stress. I suffered low self esteem and depression. I want you to know you're not alone on your journey. Maybe we can help each other out by giving each other support while we transition into the beautiful women that we are. keep your head high. You can do it and I will do it too! Danielle
Quote from: danielle28 on February 13, 2014, 02:42:32 PM
Emma, we must be sisters I have the exact same body type is you. I'm just getting getting started as well. I just joined a gym and I'm starting to diet as well. I had the same family history of husky men in my family like so many other ladies on the site I use food for comfort to deal with anxiety and stress. I suffered low self esteem and depression. I want you to know you're not alone on your journey. Maybe we can help each other out by giving each other support while we transition into the beautiful women that we are. keep your head high. You can do it and I will do it too! Danielle
We are sisters! But yeah its a tough thing to get through, I ate food thinking it was happiness, which also led to me being depressed all the time. I've only been eating green for a day now and I already feel better, mentally anyways. Its so reassuring to know im doing something about it.
Question about the cardio. I joined a gym and they have 2 options on the machines, fat burn heart rate and then a cardio heart rate. My fat burn one is 124 and the cardio one I think around 150. Which do I stick with to lose my fat and slim down?
You have certainly received plenty of advice, at least on weight loss.
I have been a member of Weight Watcher's for nearly two years now. They have a proven program that works.
You can count points, but an alternative they offer is to eat only "Power Foods". You can download a list of power foods here:
https://www.weightwatchers.com/images/1033/dynamic/GCMSImages/Food_List.pdf
I can offer a few tips. You should lose between 1/2 lb and 2 lb per week. If you lose any more than that you will not succeed long term. It does you no good to lose 50 lbs and gain back 60.
Take a break and splurge once a week or so. Can you imagine never, never eating a hamburger again? Never to have pizza, pasta or bread? Take a break from time to time, so you have the will to keep going.
On a weight watchers program you can eat anything at all. You just keep track of the points and try to keep within your daily point allowance. There is even a bonus of points you can use every week just for that splurge.
Remember that it took a long time to gain your weight so you shouldn't expect to lose it in a few months. Imagine losing only 1/2 lb a month for two years. That's 52 pounds! Lose that and keep it off and you will have really accomplished something.
Lose 10 pounds in two weeks and find 3 months later that you've gained back 20.... not so good.
Best Wishes
Randi
Quote from: Randi on February 13, 2014, 04:23:15 PM
You have certainly received plenty of advice, at least on weight loss.
I have been a member of Weight Watcher's for nearly two years now. They have a proven program that works.
You can count points, but an alternative they offer is to eat only "Power Foods". You can download a list of power foods here:
https://www.weightwatchers.com/images/1033/dynamic/GCMSImages/Food_List.pdf
I can offer a few tips. You should lose between 1/2 lb and 2 lb per week. If you lose any more than that you will not succeed long term. It does you no good to lose 50 lbs and gain back 60.
Take a break and splurge once a week or so. Can you imagine never, never eating a hamburger again? Never to have pizza, pasta or bread? Take a break from time to time, so you have the will to keep going.
On a weight watchers program you can eat anything at all. You just keep track of the points and try to keep within your daily point allowance. There is even a bonus of points you can use every week just for that splurge.
Remember that it took a long time to gain your weight so you shouldn't expect to lose it in a few months. Imagine losing only 1/2 lb a month for two years. That's 52 pounds! Lose that and keep it off and you will have really accomplished something.
Lose 10 pounds in two weeks and find 3 months later that you've gained back 20.... not so good.
Best Wishes
Randi
I was told by someone else as well to have a single splurge day a week or so, that way I don't get burned out and fall back to old habits.
Good advice though, I will give that weight watchers a look, sounds interesting. Thanks! <3
A few years ago I lost about 100 pounds (from 280 to 180. 6' height. Now I'm at 170 several years later).
All I did was try to eat healthier - cut out all fast food, candy, unhealthy foods, soda, etc. I also tried to have very little carbs. I also gave myself a maximum daily calorie limit of 1300 calories - which is pretty low compared to how much it would take to maintain weight, but not so low that you are fasting. If you can stick to it, and also work out at least moderately, you should be able to be down to 190 or so in around a year. Maybe less - I didn't keep much track of how long it took, I just kept at it until I was at my goal weight.
After a little while eating so little, your stomach shrinks and it becomes difficult to even eat the portions normal people can take. Maybe this is not the most healthy method to lose weight - I am no doctor or nutritionist - but it worked for me. All it takes to lose weight is willpower and determination to stick to it.
Quote from: Androgynous_Machine on February 12, 2014, 01:04:53 PM
Okay first HRT blocks testosterone which is instrumental in building a large mass. With most of that being out of your system it will be difficult to build muscle which is good news for you. Furthermore, estrogen works against muscles.
Secondly, CARDIO and lots of it. Cardio tones existing muscle (thus giving shape) and sheds fat.
Thirdly, focus exercises (stay away from weights) that tone the more womanly parts: hips, thighs, buttocks, and abdomen.
Palates (excuse spelling), curls (not sit ups), and numerous leg exercises. This plus 30 minutes of cardio 3 times a week with a 6-day vegan diet and you'll shed weight like you won't believe. You are a big girl so you have your work cut out for you. The cool thing is once you get your body trained, and you get set in the schedule it is easy to maintain.
At 5'5 I had to lose a tremendous amount of weight, I went from 185 down to 115 in a span of 4 months. So it's doable.
-AM
Is it better to slim down before starting HRT or after? I have the idea that it may be harder to lose weight after starting hormones.
Quote from: debpossible on February 15, 2014, 10:16:22 PM
Is it better to slim down before starting HRT or after? I have the idea that it may be harder to lose weight after starting hormones.
I am also curious to know the answer to this, I know that after starting HRT most ladies ive talked to have said that their body starts to really fill out, this is cause of all the muscle that is being stripped away, and all the fat being re-distributed to all the right places. I would assume that the healthier you are pre-HRT, the more noticeable the effects of HRT will be. Personally I want to take daily pictures when im doing my HRT so I am thinning down as mush as possible until I feel im at the right body weight to be able to notice the transition.
Also its worth mentioning that when your on HRT alot of your man muscle that women do not have gets broken down and goes away. And being that muscle is very dense I would assume that there would be some noticeable weight loss during your transition. Id figure somewhere in the 10-15 lbs area, but that's just a guess.
Quote from: debpossible on February 15, 2014, 10:16:22 PM
Is it better to slim down before starting HRT or after? I have the idea that it may be harder to lose weight after starting hormones.
I'm not sure if it would be easier or harder, but I will say exercise and healthy diet are essential for everyone, trans and cis alike.
This is particularly true for transwomen (well I don't know about transmen) because the various hormones like to pick on the heart, cardio and a healthy diet strengthen the heart, and by the way, makes you lose weight which is also good for the heart.
I encourage everyone, pre/post HRT/SRS to exercise and eat right, it just makes sense.
Okay, after a preliminary search, here's what I've found.
Doing training before HRT:
Pros: Easier to lose weight, muscle strength intact, stamina intact
Cons: Could potentially build unwanted muscle
Doing training after HRT:
Pros: Fat gets distributed better, having some body fat might better enhance breast growth, very little unwanted muscle growth.
Cons: Weight is harder to lose, lower stamina, lower muscle strength.
So basically weigh it out.
-AM
Quote from: Androgynous_Machine on February 16, 2014, 12:36:04 PM
I encourage everyone, pre/post HRT/SRS to exercise and eat right, it just makes sense.
-AM
This = Truth
I had the same problem. Being overweight (mainly muscles) and fat are way easier to lose than muscle. In my case the only thing that worked to get rid of that muscles is to overwork them ( 2 times a day every muscle group I wanted to get rid of ), this way they were not able to heal and build. I did a lot of cardio but my final calorie count was about 1700 per day (intake about 2800 per day but burning about 1100 everyday). Everyone is made differently but I lost about 120 pounds before my transition by doing this( 240 to 118-122, depending on weeks xD). I don't know if I'll achieve the "casual girl" look someday but now at least I look like the athletic women in the workout video on youtube.
Quote from: Androgynous_Machine on February 16, 2014, 12:36:04 PM
Okay, after a preliminary search, here's what I've found.
Doing training before HRT:
Pros: Easier to lose weight, muscle strength intact, stamina intact
Cons: Could potentially build unwanted muscle
Doing training after HRT:
Pros: Fat gets distributed better, having some body fat might better enhance breast growth, very little unwanted muscle growth.
Cons: Weight is harder to lose, lower stamina, lower muscle strength.
So basically weigh it out.
-AM
I think I will try to lose alot of my excess weight before HRT, but will keep a small bit of fat so it gets distributed better. Sounds like a win win to me :D
In fact the most important thing is that you feel good in this. Hormones will certainly add some stress and variable mood/emotions. Just remember that fat redistribution itself is more a myth than anything else. It is proven that new fat will go to the "good spot" but scientists say that the old fat won't move.
If during your weight lost you have a hard time with the belly, begin by checking for diabete or others internal inflamation. If everything seems okay it's probably your abs that are too weak. I've not yet seen someone with no health problem doing the right efforts not losing their belly. The body is lazy and will put the fat where the muscles oppose the least resistance (just like electricity in circuit) so if your abs are always loose it is for sure the easiest place to add it. But I warn you because isolation exercise won't work that way, you won't have thinner legs by targeting only the legs. Getting "equal" amount of muscles all around the body will help to distribute the fat equally too.
As the principal abs corset exercise you may want to search for the "vacuum" and the static version of the "plank" and "side plank".