https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-can-we-talk-about-the-number Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:54:18 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-can-we-talk-about-the-number/page/2#post-368269 Fri, 17 Jun 2011 01:28:54 +0000 Aziraphale 368269@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Khris, your last comment showed how frustrated and demoralized you feel. I know that women whose weight is in the "normal" range can never REALLY get it, but I can try. I have experienced body dysmorphia first-hand, at least. And my grandmother was always obese, despite doing hard physical labour her whole life and eating a fraction of what the rest of us ate. She was pretty healthy and happy, too, until one day she wasn't (bowel prolapse/gall stones), and all the surgeons refused to operate on her due to her weight. (That I can understand, too; I've done surgery on rats, and the subcutaneous fat gets everywhere). It was incredibly frustrating for her. It sounds like you hare having similar problems, so I completely sympathize. </p> <p>I guess I'm just saying this in an attempt to be encouraging. You are beautiful no matter what your size, so focus on that. It's important to practise not hating your body. Like I said before, your body has a happy weight range, and the range that's perfectly healthy for you might be too high for someone else. That's why the BMI charts can be somewhat misleading. But definitely talk to a doctor or a nutritionist, or someone experienced with helping guide a weight loss program if your size is getting in the way of good health. I think the goal is to try to stay at the lower end of whatever weight range is right for you, and a professional may be very helpful to that end. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-can-we-talk-about-the-number/page/2#post-368259 Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:58:45 +0000 Traci 368259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kris,<br /> I absolutely get it. I have no advice, I don't even have any words of encouragement, but I can tell you that I totally get how you're feeling and I'm in much the same place myself.</p> <p>I had a recent epiphany that a big part of the reason that I have been on a 4 year cycle of weight loss and gain since I was around 14 is that I only lose weight when I take drastic measures. Even with the drastic measures, I get around 20-30 lbs of where the charts say I should be and everything grinds to a halt. For a while I try busting through the plateau, and then I get exhausted and angry and I start slacking off and giving myself a break and some love. I feel good for a few months and then my weight starts creeping up, except I'm so burnt out from the extremes, and not seeing the numbers "they" tell me I should see, that I just keep indulging until I'm at my higher weight again, feeling like crap and still not liking the way I look.</p> <p>It's a very tough place to be. I know that even with extreme measures I won't be "normal" on a chart. That sucks and it's very demotivating to know that my best is absolutely someone else's worst nightmare.</p> <p>I hear you and I feel you, but I have no advice, sorry. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-can-we-talk-about-the-number/page/2#post-368209 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 22:56:22 +0000 Mellllls 368209@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know and respect that I don't get it , which is why I am going to suggest again that you consult with your primary care physician. BMI, body frame calculators, body fat percentages are all estimates and guidelines but your primary care physician can take all that, your family history, and your current health issues into account and guide you as to whether you are at a healthy weight for YOU. Because of your health issues, you may be at your ideal weight, even if none of the "indicators" suggest so. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-can-we-talk-about-the-number/page/2#post-368197 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 22:07:38 +0000 Aida 368197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>At the risk of being too forward, may I ask if your weight is causing you current health problems? It sounds like you've been working hard for a long time to loose that weight, and if it's not causing problem a break might be good both for body and mind. Even if you continue with your current eating habits but with a lighter exercise load, and go forward with the thought that you're going to maintain and not worry yourself about losing weight FOR NOW, it may help. Then when you return to trying to get to your goal BMI, you may feel a bit more energized. I'm sorry you feel alone on this, and I just wanted to tell you that I personally think you look great. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-can-we-talk-about-the-number/page/2#post-368139 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 20:23:33 +0000 Lisa 368139@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just chiming in to say I have found any weight chart frustrating in the past. All charts always say at my height I should be 110lbs to 115lbs. And I am usually between 125lbs and 130lbs. A few years back I was dead set on getting down to 115lbs. When I got down to 118lbs I had everyone I know calling me anorexic, I lost my period for months, I was always cold and tired, I was often sick, had night sweats, and overall it was a miserable time for me. And I wasn't even at the "magic" 115lbs number yet! </p> <p>Now I use my health as a measure of my weight instead of the charts. Even at my current weight a BMI chart says I am only upper average range (implying I should loose some weight), a chart accounting for body frame size says I am too heavy (when using my wrist size to measure body frame size). I really do believe none of these charts work well. Maybe they will pinpoint a problem for someone when it is extreme but I only consider them "with a grain of salt." I may not fit into the numbers for most charts but I am now rarely sick or bruise, have great concentration, don't suffer hot or cold sensitivity or night sweats or any of the other problems I had when I was "thin." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-can-we-talk-about-the-number/page/2#post-368125 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 20:00:53 +0000 Katja 368125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I probably don't get it - but your frustration resonates with me. I'm increasingly frustrated with the number on the scale, with the number on the tape measure, and with my BMI.</p> <p>As an objective measurement, I'd want to know my body fat percentage, and if money were an issue, I'd look for a university study or a gym that is offering accurate body fat measurement (DEXA scanning or water displacement, not skinfold calipers) as an inducement. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-can-we-talk-about-the-number#post-367999 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:57:37 +0000 greenglove 367999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Khris,<br /> I also feel your frustration. It sounds like you are doing all that you can and your weight is healthy for you.<br /> No diet advice here- be kind to yourself, you are a great inspiration and look beautiful as you are! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-can-we-talk-about-the-number#post-367992 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:41:00 +0000 tarzy 367992@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Khris, what I'm hearing from you right now is frustration and anger, and you feel you're alone. I'm so sorry you're feeling that way. It's a terrible place to be. </p> <p>I have no real advice. The only thing I can do when I'm feeling frustrated and hopeless (which is often!) is to be kind to myself, and try to take control, as much as I can. (I wish I could change the economy right now and make a job appear for myself!) Sometimes all I can do is read stuff on the Internet. Usually I don't even know what specific information I'm looking for, but I stumble across little things here and there that lead me to other things, and eventually I find great information.</p> <p>I'm really sorry you feel so alone right now. I know there must be other people going through what you're going through, and I hope you find some information that will help you.</p> <p>For what it's worth, I think you're fabulous and I just want you to be healthy and happy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-can-we-talk-about-the-number#post-367966 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:50:05 +0000 Sarah 367966@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm agreeing with the crowd, BMI is just an estimate. I worked my booty off (literally) for years to lose weight to get into a healthy BMI, even after I had lost 60 pounds I was still considered overweight even though I was only weighing about 140 and down to a size 8. I decided that I just wasn't meant to be smaller than that and kept up with eating healthy and exercising and as I stopped worrying so much I started losing again, you hit that plateau and you might sit there for a while (I sat at 140 for almost a year, 130 for another 3 years). I feel like I am pretty small now, I weigh 127, I wear a size 4 (which is a little loose, but a size 2 is too tight) but I'm still just right in the middle of the healthy category.</p> <p>Get to a point where you feel healthy and beautiful and stick with it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-can-we-talk-about-the-number#post-367962 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:40:49 +0000 chewyspaghetti 367962@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've belonged to weight loss support groups online, and I didn't find them particularly helpful. I already eat Paleo, which is part of my frustration. I'm eating basically no grains or sugars already. I'm sure that a change in exercise would be good, but my health issues really limit what I can do, and the fact that I have to take the kids to the gym with me limits it even more. Exercise is actually painful for me- even walking and Yoga, but I want to be healthy so I push myself to do it and just deal with the pain.<br /> I really wasn't looking for diet/exercise advice anyway. I just wanted some answers about the numbers, and how much variance you think is normal. It seems like 5-10 pounds is really it. So- I have to decide if I can actually do what it would take to loose that much more weight, or learn to accept my current weight. Both are easier said than done. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-can-we-talk-about-the-number#post-367955 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:27:54 +0000 MsMary 367955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't know if you have any interest in doing something very radical, and it may not be workable given that you have a family to feed, but I have had spectacular weight loss success in the past with a low-fat vegan diet: <a href="http://www.drmcdougall.com/free.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.drmcdougall.com/free.html</a>. I liked it because I am a volume eater and you really can eat as much brown rice, potatoes, and vegetables and you like and still lose weight. (It ties in nicely with Dr. Kessler's theories, BTW: Brown rice is fun to eat, but it's not THAT much fun!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-can-we-talk-about-the-number#post-367949 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:20:54 +0000 Steph 367949@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Khris, other people definitely get it. Maybe not as many people here on this board, but there are a lot of people out there who are going through, or have gone through, exactly what you are right now. Have you tried to find a message board with people in a similar situation? I think that sparkpeople has a message board, and I know that Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers do--I know you don't have to be a member of Jenny to join their message board; I'm not sure about Weight Watchers. I think that having a support group of people who have been through this could help you. Of course, you have us, but it sounds from your most recent post that you are really looking for people who have been in your shoes.</p> <p>I can see how a happy weight would be completely foreign to you right now--I would think of that as a long-term goal. For right now, it sounds like you are unhappy with your weight and you do want to lose more, but that you are frustrated with the current rate of weight loss and generally feel hopeless. I completely and totally understand that. </p> <p>My guess is that your body has become used to what you are doing day in and day out, and your weight loss has slowed. I think that you need a kick start. I know that you said you exercise--do you want to share your current exercise routine and maybe some of us could make some suggestions for changes? How many days a week do you exercise, and how long do you go? Maybe adding a day or upping the time could help. More likely, you don't need to do either of those things, but if you just change the type of exercise you are doing, it could shock your system a bit. Changing your diet a bit could be another option--I know a lot of people have luck when they eliminate sugar, or carbs, or whatever. As a vegetarian I can't really eliminate carbs (and I do think that has made my weight loss more difficult at times), but maybe if you did that--even if only for two weeks or so--it would jumpstart things. </p> <p>I have gone through many periods of weight loss where I feel like I am doing everything right, and nothing happens. I lose a pound, the next week I gain a pound. This recently happened to me for about two months, and it was awful. There is nothing worse than eating limited calories, going to the gym almost every day for an hour, and not seeing any results. You start to wonder why you're trying, and if you're just fated to never lose weight. Then I changed my exercise routine and made some small changes in my food intake and the pounds started dropping off. I do think that it could make a difference for you as well.</p> <p>ETA: I totally get what you're saying about needing some type of gauge, and I think you're right. We can all say that numbers like BMI are not great indicators, and they are not. However, I do think that if you are very far outside of those ranges--like you said, not just 5 or 10 pounds--it probably indicates that losing a bit of weight wouldn't be a bad thing. I would definitely go with the link that I posted, because it will take into account the fact that you are bigger boned. But I hear where you are coming from. When I had gained a lot of weight it was tough for me to know what was a good weight for me, because I am naturally muscular, and because I am pretty short (those charts tend to be even more off for people who are quite tall and people who are short). But at the end of the day, I needed something to give me a general idea of what was right--otherwise, I worried I was just making excuses. Eventually, I figured it out for myself, but I do think it becomes more obvious as you get closer to the right weight, if that makes sense. Have you talked to a physician about this? What do they think is the right weight for you? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-can-we-talk-about-the-number#post-367909 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:00:23 +0000 Suz 367909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chewy, you are probably right that no one "gets it." No one who hasn't lost as significant a number of pounds as you, that is. It really IS a different situation from someone needing to lose 10 pounds, or even 30, as I did. Just not the same. </p> <p>What I heard in your last post IS something that has come up for me, though (and even more so for my friend who has lost 100 pounds and still needs to lose more). It is not just a "weight loss" issue. It is an identity change issue. You were happy being obese...comfortable in your ignorance, perhaps, until you learned about the health problems you were facing...and now, you are betwixt and between....no longer a happy obese person, but also not meeting the recommended requirements for BMI and really wondering, where do I go from here? And what is right for me? </p> <p>Our identity changes so much as we lose weight and many people around us find it threatening or problematic in some way...we are actually giving up a lot, in addition to extra pounds. And then when weight loss stalls, it becomes even more confusing. </p> <p>Perhaps you can use the other health markers as more relevant to you now? If your health has improved, if things are looking good there, then that is already a HUGE change. Meeting the BMI recommendations may or may not be important. </p> <p>I am sorry things are tough for you in this phase. You have already been on quite a journey. </p> <p>BTW, you are probably right about the grain-based diet. Have you tried going Paleo? It is tough to do (at first) but it works wonders for some people. (I do not follow a paleo diet myself but know others who do.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-can-we-talk-about-the-number#post-367896 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 13:47:25 +0000 chewyspaghetti 367896@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I appreciate the support- I do, but I just feel like nobody else "gets it". I'm not talking about 5 or ten pounds here.<br /> I know that numbers are just numbers, but I can't trust what I see because of body dysmorphia, and I can't trust how I feel because of my chronic health issues, so I need *something* to be a gauge. I can't afford to do any diet plan, and honestly I think that most of the information out there about nutrition and diet is not very good. I believe it's our grain based diet and the overuse of corn products as fillers that is contributing greatly to the obesity and diabetes rates in this country.<br /> The whole idea of a "Happy Weight" is so foreign to me. I was 'happy' being obese until I started having health problems. Now that I'm 70 pounds lighter, I'm not.<br /> Thanks for the replies, anyway. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-can-we-talk-about-the-number#post-367736 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 04:14:18 +0000 Janet 367736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My attitude toward numbers is similar to Aida's. I haven't been happy with my size/weight in the last few years (the largest/heaviest I've ever been) but since I began running and tracking my calorie intake earlier this year, I've dropped enough weight -- and more significantly, inches -- that I've gone from some of my size 10s getting snug to having to shop for 6s and 8s. I don't own a scale and have no interest in weighing myself every day, but a doctor's appointment a month ago registered a 10 lb loss since a year ago, and I'm pretty sure I've lost a few more pounds since then. </p> <p>I'm not petite (5'7") but I have my mother's small bone structure, so I really can't carry much weight. When I checked out that BMI link, I can easily overlap my thumb with all of my fingers around my wrist. I think I'm around 140 lbs now, which puts me, surprisingly, on the lower end of the ideal range, according to that particular site. I've always thought my ideal should be between 130-135, but i really can't say what made me come up with that number!</p> <p>The point being, numbers are often arbitrary and tricky, and I think they can be deceiving. The bottom line for me at this point in my life is not a number. Am I happier at my current, smaller size? Yes, but also because I am healthier than I've been in a long time, and I can now run three miles without stopping, which is something I have never been able to do in my life. </p> <p>My focus now is on continuing my new running habit -- improving and continuing to race -- and feeding my body in a healthy way. If I lose 5 more pounds, great. If I dont, that's fine too. As someone who has lost both parents to heart disease, I'm just as concerned with blood pressure numbers as numbers on a scale, and both sets of numbers have improved. I think weight is just one of many factors that indicate health. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-can-we-talk-about-the-number#post-367732 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 03:49:45 +0000 rosee 367732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations on your efforts so far!! That is definitely to be celebrated!</p> <p>I don't have much advice to offer since this is a new issue that I am struggling with. I've recently gained 60 pounds (medication induced weight gain) and I have gone up 3 to 4 sizes. My thighs are each now what my waist used to be. I am fairly happy with my life but very frustrated with my new body size and shape (never mind all the new clothes I had to get). I am learning about how to lose this weight and appropriate exercise and diet recommendations. I used to be fairly athletic but now I can hardly do anything I used to do -- walking even hurts sometimes. I did take some nutritional anthropology courses in university and find myself consulting that info a lot lately. And I have done lots of research on diet and health issues, including weight gain.</p> <p>I believe the BMI and weight recommendations are only general guidelines that are not appropriate for all people in a population. Athletes often end up as "overweight" on the BMI due to increased muscle mass. Angie mentioned that people with lighter bone compositions will show as "underweight". So these are not to be taken too literally for everyone.</p> <p>I don't want to go off topic, but I am learning that a large problem in the North American diet is processed foods and high-glycemic carbs. Learn what you can about these issues and if you are not doing so already, try reducing them in your diet. Interestingly, many fats are actually good for you, especially for vitamin intake and nutrient processing (these include butter, coconut oil, olive oil, hemp oil, nuts, fish oil, etc.) and in limited quantities, these may actually be included in a healthy weight-loss diet. Plenty of research supports this.</p> <p>I just want to wish you well in your future efforts and don't give up the good fight. Try to remember that the "numbers" are just numbers and they don't always equal "good health". And remember that you serve as an inspiration for people like me who are just starting the process. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-can-we-talk-about-the-number#post-367682 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 02:39:38 +0000 Suz 367682@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First of all, a HUGE congratulations for what you have already achieved! That is a phenomenal weight loss and I hope you will give yourself some credit! It is really tough to lose that much. </p> <p>I recently completed a weight loss program and lost over 30 pounds. (Lean Eating at Precision Nutrition <a href="http://www.precisionnutrition.com/lean-eating-waiting-list" rel="nofollow">http://www.precisionnutrition......iting-list</a>) The support I got from the other women in my coaching group and the accountability of the program made the difference between sticking with it and learning how to maintain deep health for life, and giving up in despair. </p> <p>A friend in the program was in a similar position to you. She had set a goal to lose somewhere over 100 pounds and had lost somewhere around 60 when she joined the program. She lost another 40 in the program. She told me that she's had several plateau phases during her long (2 years, so far) period of weight loss. TImes when she wasn't losing or was even gaining slightly. Very discouraging, but she just kept working out and trying to eat according to her plan, and gradually the pounds would come off again. </p> <p>So...don't lose hope...but look for support (as you are already doing, here) if you feel you are stuck and can't do it on your own. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-can-we-talk-about-the-number#post-367656 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 02:22:38 +0000 Angie 367656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Khris, I know little about this subject, but am happy that you have received such great support from the YLF community. </p> <p>The only reason I'm weighing into the conversation (no pun intended), is because when it comes to BMI's, I come out as *severely underweight* - which obviously I am not. I am extremely dainty in frame and have osteoporosis so my bones weigh less than they should. But I have seen every specialist and have constitution of an ox. This is who I am and I have always been this way. So, my point here is, that my healthy weight is also off the BMI charts, yet I am very healthy and feel good. I thought that you might find this perspective interesting.</p> <p>I wish you every bit of success and know that you will reach your weight goals in one way or another. We will also be here to cheer you on every step of the way </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-can-we-talk-about-the-number#post-367511 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 22:55:16 +0000 Mellllls 367511@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chewyspaghetti, have you consulted with your doctor about your ideal body weight? I agree with the others that BMI is only a general guideline and does not work for all people and body types. I don't have any experience with losing weight to the extent that you have already lost but I wonder if the fact that you seem to be stuck at that weight means that that is your happy weight. Your doctor may have a better idea of your body's needs and whether your weight is appropriate for you considering your frame, height, age, family history, heart health, etc.</p> <p>Steph, thanks for the link to the body calculator. I have a "medium" body frame and on a BMI I am the high end of normal your calculator actually puts me 0.6 lbs underweight. I've never thought of myself as underweight before. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-can-we-talk-about-the-number#post-367506 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 22:32:03 +0000 Aida 367506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mmm I usually stay out of these discussions but I wanted to throw another vote in for the whole you should aim to FEEL healthy thing and don't get discouraged by numbers. I just put my numbers in the calculator that Steph linked, and according to it I am 6-15 pounds overweight (probably because I'm semi-athletic) and that is a HUGE amount for little 5'3" me; I would have told you 5, tops, and this is how much more weight I plan to lose (down 8 from the start of this year) but I doubt I'll go more than that. I think part of it is accepting how much freedom do you give yourself with what you eat, and the reasons for doing it.</p> <p>For me, food is one of my Favorite Things In Life. Even if eating small amounts of limited types of foods will make me lighter/skinnier/whatever, I won't be happy because I won't get to eat a lot of the food I like. So my goal was to improve eating habits overall so that I can allow myself some of those foods that I love (bacon and mayo, I'm looking at you) but not eat piles of them every day. And if this means that the number on the scale is higher, but I still look good though not as small as possible, so what? I am OK with that.</p> <p>I think once you get into the weight loss range where the pounds drop more slowly, the scale numbers can get needlessly infuriating. My weight loss test has been pretty non-scientific; I have a back roll, and when that's gone I'll be at my ideal weight. Hard to be upset by the scale number if I don't let it be a determining factor of my success Not saying that you should use my method, just wanted to throw it out there that sometimes those numbers are not as helpful as we think. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-can-we-talk-about-the-number#post-367462 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 21:20:36 +0000 Aziraphale 367462@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To add to what Steph says: "happy weight" is key. This is a hot-button issue for me. I think we spend too much time as women worrying about relative fatness and thinness, when we should be focused on health. If you're doing all the things you need to do to maintain excellent health, your weight should stabilize at a point that's good for you, and that is beautiful in my book. For some people it's higher and some lower, but if you want to force it out of its happy range, it's going to be a lotta hard, never-ending work. </p> <p>Now, if you are at risk for diabetes and getting your weight down will help, you've got good incentive to try to keep it down. As long as you remember that health is the main point of the whole thing, it's all good. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-can-we-talk-about-the-number#post-367452 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 21:12:47 +0000 Steph 367452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Khris, if you want to lose the next ten, twenty or thirty pounds (and I'm not saying you should or need to--I'm just saying that if you WANT to), you might be exactly the type of person who would really benefit from a weight loss program. You have done a fantastic job of losing 70 pounds on your own, but now that you get closer to goal, the weight loss becomes so much more difficult. </p> <p>When I say a program, I mean something like Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig. I lost 35 pounds on Jenny Craig several years ago, and it was a huge help to me. Yes, it involves eating microwavable meals, but it really kickstarted things and helped the weight come off very easily. Once you get halfway to your goal, you start incorporating your own meals, so that you have a more realistic idea of how to eat properly. For me, the prescribed meals and weekly consultations (I did the program over the phone, but there is an in-person option) were huge difference-makers. My mom was so inspired by my weight loss that she then joined the program and lost 30 pounds. She was someone who had struggled with weight her entire life, and although she wasn't fat, she was definitely chubby and overweight. She has maintained her new weight for seven years now. </p> <p>I agree with you that weight loss is hard and it can be so depressing. Sometimes I go to the gym for the sixth time in a week, and start working out--hard!--and then look over at someone who looks half my size and is barely walking on a treadmill, and I just want to cry. Or I talk with someone who is just naturally slim and tells me that the only exercise they get is walking around town, and they never count calories. Some of us are just luckier than others, I guess. But I do think that's why it is important to find your "happy weight"--I'm not going to be able to maintain 110 pounds realistically, and finding my happy weight has helped me get over that and accept what I can do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-can-we-talk-about-the-number#post-367427 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 20:43:28 +0000 Cilleena 367427@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with MaryK about losing weight and keeping it off being really hard. I was stuck for almost a year at about 10 pounds above a healthy BMI and couldn't get it off. I was exercising and eating healthy.<br /> It wasn't until I started writing down everything I ate and joining a diet program that I was able to get a grasp on what it would take to lose weight. At 40 years old and even as a nursing mom, I am not able to eat very much and lose weight. I still have to find a way to keep my nutrients high, but my calories low. That means I every bite must count. I eat lean proteins, lots and lots of fruit and veggies, and just a sprinkling of high fiber carbohydrates (eaten before 5PM). I have to measure and track everything. One day I didn't track or journal my food and I just "ate a little bit" all day. By that evening I couldn't stand not knowing how much I had eaten, so I wrote it down. I had consumed the entire day's worth of calories by lunch time and thought I had just "eaten a little bit".</p> <p>Khris, I honestly think you look lovely just the way you are. I have no idea what your diet or exercise looks like. If you are where you are comfortable and you're happy with it, then don't worry about the BMI charts. It IS tedious to lose weight and keep it off. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-can-we-talk-about-the-number#post-367425 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 20:41:36 +0000 Laura 367425@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anyone who is at risk for diabetes - listen to Joy. She speaks the truth </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-can-we-talk-about-the-number#post-367409 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 20:26:35 +0000 Aziraphale 367409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chewyspaghetti, if you are eating healthy food and taking regular exercise, and if you FEEL healthy, then you're doing great! The number on the scale or the so-called "healthy" BMI shouldn't matter that much. Some people are meant to be voluptuous, and some aren't. The thin ones get a lot less flack, and that's frustrating, I know. But trying to force your body to be something it isn't tends to not work.</p> <p>In Anne's thread, <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-at-what-point-do-you-get-outside-help-with-dieting#post-367371" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ost-367371</a></p> <p>....I wrote about a friend who looked thin but whose BMI was in the unhealthy range -- she had a much higher body fat percentage than you would think. Just because she looked all slim and long-legged did not mean she was at all healthy -- in fact, she was, as she herself admits, terribly unhealthy. She ate a lot of junk food and never exercised (although, in her defense, she was terrible at sports. Growing up wearing coke-bottle glasses and having no coordination pretty much excludes you from the soccer team). On the other hand, I have another friend who is naturally heavy, but she has always worked out and eats well. She looks great, too, with her clear skin and lovely, shiny hair. But she's a big girl, and always will be. It has taken her years to be happy with that, but I think now, as we approach forty, she is. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-can-we-talk-about-the-number#post-367386 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 19:49:42 +0000 chewyspaghetti 367386@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Mary- I am seeing if my library has that book. I think that part of this issue for me is that my body image is so skewed now that I can't trust my own judgement. I look at myself and I still see a ton of fat (although I often wonder what is actually fat and what is extra skin and how much does that weigh?), but then I also look at someone that I *know* is very thin and I also see fat on them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-can-we-talk-about-the-number#post-367296 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 17:55:07 +0000 MsMary 367296@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ZOMG I am so with you! I have lost 55 pounds since having weight-loss surgery 16 months ago, and I have FOUGHT for every ounce! I work out HARD six days a week, I eat less than 1500 calories a day, and I still can't lose the last 5-10 pounds! </p> <p>According the the BMI charts I'm about in the middle of "healthy," but I know I have a good amount of fat left on my body. And according to Steph's very interesting link I have a small frame and am at the very tippy-top of "healthy."</p> <p>Losing weight and keeping it off is so freakin' hard it's not even funny. It turns out our brains and bodies and the Standard American Diet are all working together to keep us fat! A super-interesting book on the science of it all is "The End of Overeating" by David Kessler. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-can-we-talk-about-the-number#post-367261 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 17:40:09 +0000 Anonymous 367261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you are at risk for diabetes, do everything you can (like daily exercise and a very low carb diet) to keep from getting it! No dessert or extra treat is worth it in the long run. Losing some weight can make a big difference in your blood sugar. Don't ignore it no matter how bored or deprived you may feel. Take it from one who now knows. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-can-we-talk-about-the-number#post-367254 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 17:35:54 +0000 Astrid 367254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have an healthy BMI, I think I would need to lose round about six pounds to be in the healthy scale. But I don't know that for sure, because I don't know my current weight.. I have in fact a scale, but most of the time I use it for scaling my luggage before I leave for the airport. I check my weight probably every two to three months, though. On the whole I much prefer to look at myself in the mirror to judge if I'm still comfortable with my weight. I know that I should lose some pounds, but I'm not feeling bad about myself, so that's alright. I don't think THE NUMBER is all that relevant, I think it's more important that you're healthy and comfortable with yourself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/healthy-habits-can-we-talk-about-the-number#post-367253 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 17:35:52 +0000 Charmian 367253@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>BMI was designed as a quick-and-easy estimate -- only an estimate! -- of one's body fat percentage. It can be calculated solely on the basis of height and weight because relies on assumptions/estimates that hold true for most (but not all) people. For example, the BMI measurement itself is not designed to cover are folks whose muscle-to-fat ratio is extremely high; that's why it doesn't work for Steph.</p> <p>The so-called "recommended" BMI ranges themselves are also problematic. For example, they aren't calibrated for seniors, who typically lose muscle mass as they age. Nor, as annagybe mentioned, do they take into account how heavy one's frame is.</p> <p>Me, I'm asian. I've always _felt_ overweight, even though the US BMI ranges say I'm healthy. Once I discovered the BMI ranges recommended by the Singaporean government (which are slightly lower than the US's, due to smaller-boned bodies), I finally understood why I felt overweight: I was, relative to my small frame!</p> <p>If you think you're in one of those categories where the BMI measurement won't work for you, or where the recommended BMI ranges won't work for you, I would recommend looking into other numbers to estimate your health, such as your waist-to-hip ratio ... or even just getting a body-fat percentage test done! </p>