New Goal

[Doves]

I've been posting on this forum because I seem to be a slow looser and my goal has been 90 pounds. I felt like I identify here. At Rob's suggestion I went in on fitday.com to analyze my food (love it - great program!) and when I put in my wieght I discovered that my goal of 135 was a little high. 125 is right in the center for my height of 5' 4" and I am somewhat slight in bone structure (have slim wrist bones). So I am re-setting my goal to 125. This seems low to me but I weighed that when I got married 20 years ago. I was 26 and it is possible for me to get there again. (I weighed 107 at age 16 - didn't have much figure yet - won't even go there - oh well.)

Also, I have thought about something I read in Walter Willet's book, "Eat, Drink and Be Healthy." He said that studies show that life span increases the leaner a person is and our mindset to have extra weight in case of sickness doesn't seem to fit longevity studies.

So now I am officially a 100 pound person (I still need to lose 99 of it - LOL - but it will happen!)
Karen

[teelbee]

Doves, just keep in mind that recommended weight ranges are very general and may not reflect what is best for you as an individual. Typically, middle-aged and older people can easily add 10% to recommended goal weights. Feel free to set your goal weight to reflect the size that you feel the most comfortable about. Feel free to revise your goals as you go along. I extracted this from DietPower's help document because I think it offers some insight about how published "ideal" weights don't necessarily reflect the ideal weight for any individual person.

And lest you be discouraged...

...realize that the Ideal Weight Calculator doesn't allow extra pounds for age. If you're past 30 or 35, you may get a more reasonable figure by adding 10 percent to the base weight cited under "Where You Should Be." A 50-year-old who calculates an ideal weight of 141 pounds, for example, might prefer a goal of 1.1 times that figure, or 155 pounds.

If your ideal weight seems too low even after you've added 10 percent, realize that it isn't necessarily the weight at which you'll feel most comfortable or attractive. It's merely the weight at which, statistically speaking, the average person's disease risks are lowest. It may not be attainable or even desirable for you as an individual. Ask your doctor. Copyright ? 1992-2002 by DietPower, Inc. All rights reserved.

[Doves]

Thanks Teel - I certainly appreciate your input (and have many times in this forum). Middle ages is hitting in more and more ways - oh well - no one is exempt! Will do my best to be flexible when I get down there. I guess none of us really knows exacly where our body will be comforable, especially those of us who haven't been down that low for a while.

I'm really excited because I went out walking today for the first time since I fell in August. It was a very short walk to test my ankle but it went well so I plan to slowly increase as my ankle allows. This should help begin some real weight loss for me. It is been two reasonably faithful months with not loss. I'm due.

This forum is so helpful because there is so much additional info needed when doing lc as a woe.
Karen

[Goddess]

karen- i'm right there will tealbee, saying to take those charts anywhere with a grain of salt. i think after we've been overweight for a while, especially around 100lbs or more, it's hard to even IMAGINE what it's going to be like when you're getting closer to goal.

i'm at a point where i'm getting closer, and i'm not sure exactly where i'm going to end up. but i'm not looking at 120 right now, i'm thinking 130-135, and i'm 5'5". plus weight is different for people who exercise--that muscle weight--than the same amount of weight on somebody else. to me, the goal is just an idea, but ultimiately, you'll be able to decide about how you feel and look at the weight you end up at is right for you.

and glad to hear the ankle is getting better! good news.

[specialk1969]

Originally Posted by goddess

weight is different for people who exercise--that muscle weight--than the same amount of weight on somebody else.

I agree, muscle weight will probably make a huge difference to your final weight loss goal. I can now wear the same size as in high school but I'm 15 lbs. heavier. I never used to exercise but now I'm a workout queen. I've had to refocus my goal weight for that reason.

[huskersfan869]

I am now the same size I was in high school but not college--I was a 4 sport person all through high school and junior high for that matter, but I didn't work out more than just the practices but in college I lifted 5X a week plus practice and was clear down into a size 3 where in highs chool it was a 7 or a 9 and I am now a 10 and 30lbs heavier maybe even more like 35lbs heavier.

That being said--just remember that muscle weighs more than fat because it is much smaller in mass--thing 5lbs fat=3 large grapefruit but 5lbs of muscle=3 small tangerines.

Work toward that goal with weight/size in mind--I weigh 162 now and wear a 10 in HS I weighed about 130 and wore a 9/10 and in college I weighed about 125 and wore a size 3.

[Doves]

Thank you ladies for you input - I had forgotten that I will increase in muscle mass (much needed) and this will affect my ultimate goal. I'll leave the numbers alone for now and just focus on being faithful to diet and exercise. - size 10 - in my dreams!

Karen
dreams do come true - yeah