Grats Kimba! Those are a lot of lifestyle changes. Yes, you say that you eat what you want, but it still takes discipline not to go for that second helping. Your story is inspiring!

I know what you mean about belly (and thighs!) vs. the rest of the body. My cycling jerseys were all tight around my upper arms last year -- this month, I noticed that there's actually room there. My pants are a lot looser around the lower leg, and a bit looser around the thigh, but I still wear the same pants for my waist. The waist just doesn't want to give.

I can really tell the difference in my face, though, and so can my friends. My jawline is much more defined than it used to be.

I have far to go till I reach my goals, but it's great to see this progress.

It's so hard to tell the difference between healthy goals and unhealthy self-image. When I was in high school, I was at a martial arts studio pretty much every waking hour that I wasn't in school. I remember always thinking I was overweight. Now, looking at pictures of myself back then, I was a twig! I didn't have bulging muscle, but I sure didn't have bulging fat, either. I was lean. I just couldn't see it through my own expectations.

Anyway, I'm not lean, now, but sometimes I really have to sit back and look at my arms, my legs, everything. I like to flex my thighs and see the muscles actually moving. Same with my calf and shin. Sure, I don't look like a pro, but I see progress.