I always struggle with weight goals. 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. And the scale is higher in number than in previous years. I don't think being fit and being thin are easy to accomplish at the same time. I would take fit and those few extra pounds over thin anyway. I think health is number 1.

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.

Firstly - you look great, so yes you can cut yourself some slack.
Secondly - Your clothes look great on you.
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.
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. Shift work is a killer. Literally. So take care of yourself too and enjoy.

As fab as you look, I wouldn't worry about it. I've started to focus more on size and shape than weight because 5 pounds seems to fluctuate so easily, even throughout a month.

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.

i think you look great...before and now. so put my comments into context.

first, cut yourself some slack...you have a slammin' bod
second, i would focus on how i would feel after i had bad food and the pants got snugger. i admit it...i'm vain. being able to bench more is great, being healthy is better, but looking fab is a super motivator .

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.

can you pack yourself some healthy snacks during those horrible calls? over-indulging for comfort may not serve you in the long run.

but you already knew all of the above! so go on being beautiful.

Since muscle is heavier than fat, I'd say your leather shorts are telling the true story.

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.

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.

Happiness comes from living the life that you want, not from a number on a scale.

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.

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.

I don't think you ever should give up on being fit and living a healthy lifestyle - even when you are stressed/busy. To me, its not about the pounds, but rather about energy level, cholesterol levels, BP, etc.!

My doctor calls those the "vanity pounds." 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.

I actually DO make a career out of staying at my current weight. I was much heavier for most of my life and it's a constant challenge not to regain. 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. So I choose to stay a little soft around the edges and have some chocolate and wine from time to time.

I watch the scale very carefully and take action when I see a gain. 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! You look fab!