Here's my post from one of the newbie threads:
My first post too! I am in the same boat as you. I'm a newbie too.
Compared to last year I am leaner (Yay!) and compared to 2 years ago, I look almost like a different person. Just to give you an idea, I've dropped from a size 20 to a 12 in that time. However I still have a long way to go, and know that the easy part is over with now, and the hard part is from here on out! This is "phase 3" , changing my body composition. I have renewed enthusiasm!
I am *very* new to much of these things but I do have a basic understanding of what I need to do, and how my body can do it.
I am 5'8" and 175 lbs, long arms and legs. I have always "carried" my weight well, but now I want to do something not just about my weight but about my physique and metabolism. My goal is to be "mean and lean" (maybe 135 lbs) with higher BMR/RMR so I can control my weight more and also be toned and stronger. I am pretty strong for a gal (esp. a newbie at this level) but aint what I used to be . I'm 36, I guess I can't expect to do what I did when I was half this age, or can I?
In addition to my multi vit, I Am taking:
ECA (2 weeks so far, man I have never sweat so bad at the gym before, til today!)
L Carnitine
Green Tea
Biotin (also for hair and nails)
Zinc
and 5-HTP and Chromium Picolinate as well as Fiber Tabs to control my apetite. Not to mention I drink a lot of tea, and energy drinks. I think I have the right "idea" but definitely need some training on how to enhance and get better results.