https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-you-give-up-on-those-last-5-10-lbs Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 02:36:15 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-you-give-up-on-those-last-5-10-lbs/page/2#post-987146 Mon, 22 Jul 2013 01:06:30 +0000 MsMary 987146@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My doctor calls those the "vanity pounds."&nbsp; They don't make any difference in your health, so it's just a matter of how much you're willing to make a career out of getting/keeping them off.</p> <p>I actually DO make a career out of staying at my current weight.&nbsp; I was much heavier for most of my life and it's a constant challenge not to regain.&nbsp; I would like to weigh 5-10 pounds less than I do, but in order to do that I'd have to cut my food WAY back (I really can't realistically exercise any more than I already do), and I'm not willing to do that.&nbsp; So I choose to stay a little soft around the edges and have some chocolate and wine from time to time.</p> <p>I watch the scale very carefully and take action when I see a gain.&nbsp; If you're doing that and your clothes fit and you're happy, I say keep doing what you're doing and don't worry about losing!&nbsp; You look fab! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-you-give-up-on-those-last-5-10-lbs/page/2#post-987139 Mon, 22 Jul 2013 00:53:20 +0000 Marley 987139@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think you ever should give up on being fit and living a healthy lifestyle - even when you are stressed/busy.&nbsp; To me, its not about the pounds, but rather about energy level, cholesterol levels, BP, etc.! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-you-give-up-on-those-last-5-10-lbs/page/2#post-976189 Thu, 11 Jul 2013 00:07:21 +0000 annagybe 976189@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks everyone. It's amazing how a change in scenery can change your perspective. I'm in my hometown and we went to the local farmer's market and the grocery store. What struck me was how many people are significantly overweight here as compared to Seattle. Also everyone is much tanner than me, but I stick to my whiteness as I don't want a lecture from my dermatologist. Also bonus from being home, I always lose a couple a pounds because my dad eats very healthy. </p> <p></p> <p>ETA one of the reasons I freak out a bit sometimes is that I used to be very overweight. I do NOT want to go back there. But it's been almost five years and I think that's the window that if you're going to regain it will happen.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-you-give-up-on-those-last-5-10-lbs/page/2#post-976119 Wed, 10 Jul 2013 22:57:18 +0000 Gaylene 976119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Unless you've been given a medical reason for doing so, focusing on losing 5-10 pounds is more psychological than physical. If you enjoy the sense of discipline you get from monitoring your diet and exercise, then go for it, as long as you know you won't beat yourself up if the process has its ups and downs.</p> <p>On the other hand, if you choose to concentrate on other parts of your life, then let your body find its natural state and rhythm. You maintain your current routine and restrict when the scale (or your clothes) tell you that your indulgences have gotten a bit out of hand.</p> <p>Happiness comes from living the life that you want, not from a number on a scale. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-you-give-up-on-those-last-5-10-lbs/page/2#post-976093 Wed, 10 Jul 2013 22:25:57 +0000 Anonymous 976093@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since muscle is heavier than fat, I'd say your leather shorts are telling the true story.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-you-give-up-on-those-last-5-10-lbs/page/2#post-975255 Wed, 10 Jul 2013 04:33:37 +0000 bj1111 975255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i think you look great...before and now. &nbsp;so put my comments into context.</p> <p>first, cut yourself some slack...you have a slammin' bod<br />second, i would focus on how i would feel after i had bad food and the pants got snugger. &nbsp;i admit it...i'm vain. &nbsp;being able to bench more is great, being healthy is better, but looking fab is a super motivator .</p> <p>social eating is fine because it really feeds you in lots of different ways...i'm assuming you are making the "healthy" choices re food/portion control.</p> <p>can you pack yourself some healthy snacks during those horrible calls? &nbsp;over-indulging for comfort may not serve you in the long run.</p> <p>but you already knew all of the above! &nbsp;so go on being beautiful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-you-give-up-on-those-last-5-10-lbs/page/2#post-975135 Wed, 10 Jul 2013 01:49:29 +0000 Echo 975135@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First, your fitness level is improved and your clothes are fitting better, so that does NOT indicate that the "weight" is a bad thing. Second, as you mentioned, the BMI is particularly ruthless to those with a bigger bone structure or those with more muscle mass. And last, you haven't the time to even bother with it right now. You have a LIFE to live, and too many hours at work. Enjoy your summer and don't worry about it. You LOOK fabulous. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-you-give-up-on-those-last-5-10-lbs/page/2#post-975125 Wed, 10 Jul 2013 01:40:23 +0000 catgirl 975125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As fab as you look, I wouldn't worry about it.&nbsp; I've started to focus more on size and shape than weight because 5 pounds seems to fluctuate so easily, even throughout a month.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-you-give-up-on-those-last-5-10-lbs/page/2#post-974901 Tue, 09 Jul 2013 22:57:54 +0000 Raisin 974901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Firstly - you look great, so yes you can cut yourself some slack.<br />Secondly - Your clothes look great on you.<br />Thirdly - I think it's great to have a fitness/weight goal, but you don't need to kill yourself for it and you have worked hard.<br />Fourthly - From someone who knows how hard shift work is on the body, especially for years at a time, you MUST cut yourself some slack. &nbsp;Shift work is a killer. Literally. &nbsp;So take care of yourself too and enjoy. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-you-give-up-on-those-last-5-10-lbs/page/2#post-974781 Tue, 09 Jul 2013 20:44:00 +0000 Glory 974781@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it has to come down to how you feel about yourself. You look incredibly fit and healthy to me and that is worth everything. You are able to hike with no issues. I think the fitness and how you feel should be the yardstick rather than the number on the scale. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-you-give-up-on-those-last-5-10-lbs/page/2#post-974683 Tue, 09 Jul 2013 18:44:08 +0000 Lisa 974683@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always struggle with weight goals.&nbsp; My stomach is flatter, and can run farther, yet my jeans are bigger to accomodate my larger thighs and my shirts went up a size to make more room for my shoulders/arms as those also grew.&nbsp; And the scale is higher in number than in previous years.&nbsp; I don't think being fit and being thin are easy to accomplish at the same time.&nbsp; I would take fit and those few extra pounds over thin anyway.&nbsp; I think health is number 1. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-you-give-up-on-those-last-5-10-lbs#post-974618 Tue, 09 Jul 2013 17:19:59 +0000 rachylou 974618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>7-10 lbs is too small for me to care about (except when it effects the way my pants fit). My doctor says otherwise, but she also tells me I should turn invisible when I turn sideways because I have Asian genes. People with a little weight live longer, anyways. I say I'd rather get a life. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-you-give-up-on-those-last-5-10-lbs#post-974606 Tue, 09 Jul 2013 16:51:36 +0000 DonnaF 974606@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don't sweat the scale because it sounds like you have gained muscle mass.&nbsp; That being said, I generally agree with IK about avoiding junk food.&nbsp; IMHO, junk food is never truly satisfying so it leads to a cycle of eating more and more and feeling worse and worse.&nbsp; I hope you can carry around and have in your kitchen more healthful alternatives, like sweet potatoes you can zap in your micro and then top with Greek yogurt as you change into your lounge wear.&nbsp; Slightly thawed frozen berries mixed into plain yogurt (Greek or otherwise) with a little sweetener or sugar is very much like frozen yogurt only better and much more filling.&nbsp; Be kind to your body as it's the only one you have.</p> <p>Oh, and to me wine and chocolate don't count as *junk* food, LOL. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-you-give-up-on-those-last-5-10-lbs#post-974600 Tue, 09 Jul 2013 16:45:48 +0000 Anonymous 974600@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another thing to consider is, what are you fighting against? Genetics or bad habits? For me is bad habits, again, no excuses.<br /> Everything in moderation is good for the body and the soul. Just don't let your guard down and continue to monitor your diet, and make your summer delights, calculated risks, not over indulgences.<br /> Janet, I guess there are differences even within BMI charts, hence why bother with them. I used to weight 160 pounds for the longest and according to my doctor's chart, that would put me on a 16.5 BMI, which is already on overweight category. I think we are the same height.<br /> Yep, BMI is useless. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-you-give-up-on-those-last-5-10-lbs#post-974599 Tue, 09 Jul 2013 16:45:24 +0000 milehighstyle (Linda) 974599@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess I never truly give up, I just work at it more some times than others. It comes down to balance.&nbsp; I don't want to have a life where I'm never able to have a treat or a drink or a dinner out.&nbsp;&nbsp;Some months of the year - winter holidays and summer - I know I put on a few pounds from all of the fun things going on.&nbsp; But&nbsp;I put in more cardio time&nbsp;when I'm indulging and once the craziness&nbsp;is over I go a month or&nbsp;so without treats and can&nbsp;get&nbsp;back to where I need to be.&nbsp;&nbsp;I think if I ever got the final 5 pounds off, I'd have to stay treat free&nbsp;pretty much all the time and I really don't want to do that.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sometimes close enough is close enough.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-you-give-up-on-those-last-5-10-lbs#post-974574 Tue, 09 Jul 2013 15:55:46 +0000 Janet 974574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just had to chime in again. BMI is such a flawed measuring stick anyway (to Laurinda's point).&nbsp;I am relatively small-boned and do not carry extra weight well. BMI charts tell me I would be in a healthy range at 160 lbs but when I was still shy of that mark I was NOT healthy -- I was mostly sedentary and carrying too much fat, not enough muscle.&nbsp;</p> <p>Right now I'm smack dab in the middle of the "normal" BMI range, yet I would love to be a size smaller. But you know what I love even more? Being able to enjoy a wonderful sushi dinner with my hubby, and split some&nbsp;sake and desert, or to have a cookout with our friends, or partake in the occasional ballpark hot dog. I'm just not prepared to forsake all the things I enjoy for the sake of a few pesky pounds that really, truly have no impact on my life. I am healthy and all of my blood work before my recent surgery shows I'm doing pretty well for someone pushing 50.&nbsp;Those 5-10 lbs I would love to lose are vanity pounds.&nbsp;Those pounds&nbsp;will not reduce my chance of having a heart attack or getting cancer, or anything else.&nbsp;</p> <p>Does that mean I've "given up"? No, not really. I try to stay vigilant. If my clothes start getting snug, I know it's time to up the exercise and watch the treats. But I guess I really don't agree with that saying, "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-you-give-up-on-those-last-5-10-lbs#post-974529 Tue, 09 Jul 2013 14:48:14 +0000 cinnamon fern 974529@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If your clothes fit now, then losing 10 pounds seems like a bad idea - you love your wardrobe!</p> <p>I say continue going out for dinner and drinks, because you really enjoy it. &nbsp;Continue the hiking and working out, because you enjoy that too. &nbsp;Maybe lose the fast food when on call, since that's not actually bringing you any happiness/pleasure ... are there tastier and healthier quick options where you live? &nbsp;Somehow I imagine that in Seattle one could subsist indefinitely on takeout sushi. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-you-give-up-on-those-last-5-10-lbs#post-974500 Tue, 09 Jul 2013 14:15:21 +0000 Liz A. 974500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Personally, I never give up.&nbsp; The question is how much effort do I put in... and the answer is as much as I can muster at the time.&nbsp; If you are getting out and enjoying life, keep doing that.&nbsp; But if you have the time, keep perservering at the gym.&nbsp; You may never lose those 5 pounds, but at least you will be healthier! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-you-give-up-on-those-last-5-10-lbs#post-974491 Tue, 09 Jul 2013 14:08:08 +0000 Laurinda 974491@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There are many different 'measurements' -- of health, of happiness, of success. I wonder why we (in a general sense) put such a high value on weight in pounds or kilograms? </p> <p>My weight is high, higher than many here. I will cheer the day when I am down to 'overweight' and no longer 'obese' by the BMI charts, yet that is just one measure. (Figure below shows how BMI can mislead)</p> <p>For health risk the numbers that seem to matter (this week, science does keep updating) are blood triglycerides and HDL-C. By finding the right diet for me, mine place my cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk in the lowest 10%. I still enjoy a good piece of chocolate, a weekly Gin &amp; Tonic, and I will have a big piece of cake with frosting on my birthday.</p> <p>As far as fitness, I wish I had better endurance but I know that is a<br /> work in progress. I can make it up a hill to see a lovely vista, and<br /> even if I am not the speediest I can keep up a day-long bicycle trip.</p> <p>For body image, I feel great. Maybe it is reaching that certain age and just being grateful to be on this side of the daisy line but I have never been more comfortable in my own skin. Yes I am heavy. But I have awesome forearms and curves that some women pay good money for.</p> <p>Conclusion: Focus on the good, work on what you can, accept and love yourself on everything else.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-you-give-up-on-those-last-5-10-lbs#post-974488 Tue, 09 Jul 2013 14:04:01 +0000 Archer 974488@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yep- you are allowed to eat takeaways when on call, for all reasons above. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-you-give-up-on-those-last-5-10-lbs#post-974485 Tue, 09 Jul 2013 13:58:35 +0000 ironkurtin 974485@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Honestly?&nbsp; I think you should be strict.&nbsp; I'm not talking about looks or numbers, I'm talking about your own health.&nbsp; Junk food really is junk.&nbsp; When you're stressed is a doubly bad time to load your body full of food that doesn't nurture it.&nbsp; Value yourself.&nbsp; Treat your body with love!&nbsp; It will repay you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-you-give-up-on-those-last-5-10-lbs#post-974480 Tue, 09 Jul 2013 13:49:20 +0000 chewyspaghetti 974480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anna- even at my lowest weight (which you guys saw) I was a good 15 pounds over what the BMI says is a healthy range for me. It was not a healthy weight for me- I was working out a couple hours a day and eating a very restrictive diet, and I still couldn't maintain it. I have given it up. I have large bones and lots of muscle. I work out regularly, and eat a fairly healthy diet. I will never fit into the norms of the charts, so I have let it go and am working on loving and accepting myself just the way I am. I hope you can let it go, too. It's just a number, and you look healthy to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-you-give-up-on-those-last-5-10-lbs#post-974475 Tue, 09 Jul 2013 13:45:33 +0000 Anonymous 974475@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I am having a weight issue ( 7 pounds over my happy weight) and decided that I'm not giving up.That is why I started the interval training workout (insanity). As others said, if your clothes fit fine, no worries. Some of my stuff is too tight to wear. That is why I need to get trimmer. No excuses for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-you-give-up-on-those-last-5-10-lbs#post-974454 Tue, 09 Jul 2013 13:17:28 +0000 Suz 974454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The number on the scale is only one way to measure, and one of the least accurate. If you fit into your clothes, I wouldn't worry about it. You are looking fantastic.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think measurements give a more accurate picture, really. So if you're worried, try that. But again, if the clothes fit -- it's all good.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-you-give-up-on-those-last-5-10-lbs#post-974432 Tue, 09 Jul 2013 12:40:51 +0000 Kristin L 974432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wouldn't worry about the numbers. You always look great in your pics and it's healthy to get out and be with your friends. Would it be possible to cut back on the beers/burgers if that's what your worried about?</p> <p>I know nothing about being on call, but could you keep food in your purse, like some small snacks so you don't have to make a vending machine run?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-you-give-up-on-those-last-5-10-lbs#post-974396 Tue, 09 Jul 2013 11:05:38 +0000 Isis 974396@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look absolutely fantastic Anna.&nbsp; Definitely give yourself a pass until October, and maintain your fab body in its current state. Maintenance is an art anyway, so this can be a period where you practice that art.</p> <p>And I think you have great priorities in terms of enjoying life, your friends, being social.&nbsp; That's really important too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-you-give-up-on-those-last-5-10-lbs#post-974388 Tue, 09 Jul 2013 10:37:45 +0000 Anonymous 974388@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Weight is not a good measure -- I think measurements and how you feel are more important! And sounds like you are doing fine. You look good! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-you-give-up-on-those-last-5-10-lbs#post-974314 Tue, 09 Jul 2013 07:01:15 +0000 goldenpig 974314@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look fantastic in your hiking pics so I wouldn't sweat it! You are healthy &amp; fit. Enjoy life. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-you-give-up-on-those-last-5-10-lbs#post-974304 Tue, 09 Jul 2013 06:45:12 +0000 Mo 974304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am right there with you. &nbsp;The more I work, the less I can work out or spend time to eat the right things. &nbsp;I grab what I can at either job (both restaurants). &nbsp;<br />I also think being social and feeding your soul is top priority over abstaining and not sharing with others (for me especially since I may be leaving in a month) <br />I am taking the road that the last 5 pounds can be conquered when life is more in line with the discipline needed. &nbsp;Don't sweat it (he he he). &nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-do-you-give-up-on-those-last-5-10-lbs#post-974299 Tue, 09 Jul 2013 06:31:01 +0000 Irene 974299@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The higher weight could be muscle. It's hard to 'behave' when in social surroundings or calls, but I would try. Just drink a glass of wine instead of two, pick the salad option versus the fatty one if available, don't go overboard with desserts... that is, if you want to lose what you think you need to still lose. You certainly don't look overweight. </p>