I know, I am a day late. My yesterday was *busy* and I just never got around to posting, which made me sad. So, here I am…first thing in the morning getting that together.
This week (the latter part of the week, anyway) I listened to your advice and added a little something into my daily consumption. Actually, I only added one piece of fruit (either a pear or apple). Amazingly, that helped enough that I was no longer getting those hunger “attacks” throughout the day. Awesome.
I also noticed that the scale was very cooperative after adding the fruit. Thanks, scale. So, this week I weighed in at exactly 252 pounds. That is 2.2 pounds down from last week (and 63 pounds total), and that makes me happy.
Here are a couple other things about this week:
1. I am no longer in the “morbidly obese” category for BMI!
2. I have lost *exactly* 20% of my starting body weight!
3. I am only 2 pounds away from my Christmas goal weight of 250!
4. I have decided to set my “tentative goal” weight at 185*.
*I say tentative because I am not sure how I will look/feel at 185. When I get there I will determine if I should/need to lose more weight. Of course, 185 is not what the doctors say I should weigh, but I do not care much about that. I will, instead, judge for myself based on body fat percentage, how I feel, and how I look.
With 185 set as my goal weight, that means I am just about half way there (48.5%) in only five months. I would say I am not doing too shabby…if I do say so myself.
How did you determine what your goal weight was going to be? Did you use the doctor’s charts as a guideline, or did you decide some other way? Is *your* ideal/goal weight within the range the doctors say you should weigh for your height?
-Erica
A Food Addict - by Rooks Fitness 
I’m right between 5’2″ and 5’3″, so my “healthy” weight according to the BMI charts should be basically in the 100 to 140 range. I weighed 125 through college, but walked everywhere and had the metabolism of, well, a college student. It seems like it would be really hard to maintain that weight again. I’m aiming for 150, which would still put me in the overweight category, but I’m just trying to be realistic. My doctor hasn’t said anything about what my goal should be weight-wise. She’s focused on my health indicators – blood pressure etc. I think you are right on track focusing on a number that feels attainable and realistic, then reassessing as you need to once you get there. Those BMI charts – what do they know?
Andie,
Can I just say I love you? Would that be weird?! LOL I agree the BMI charts and weight charts at the doctors’ offices are not ideal for everyone. First of all, I have *giant*…err…well, I am very well endowed in the chest region. 😉 When I was fitted earlier this year I was a 38K, so my guess is I would be in a 36K now (or about that, anyway). Those BMI and weight charts certainly do not consider that factor…let me tell you.
This chart shows a variable based on “frame size,” but how do you determine your frame size, really? I have always been told I have “big bones” and that is why I “carry my weight well” (whatever that means). However, as I lose weight I am starting to wonder if I truly have such “big” bones. I am willing to bet I do not.
I am 5’7″ which would mean I “should” weigh between 133 (medium low-range) and 163 (large high-range). So, 185 will still be 20+ pounds over the heaviest weight they “allow” for health. With my chest, though, I am thinking that makes a difference. After all, I do *not* want to look like Dolly Parton when all is said and done. 🙂 Truthfully, I have contemplated having a reduction after I hit my goal weight. Who knows…maybe I get to 185 and have a reduction…then maybe I will actually be around 170! LOL
Thanks for your input, Love. I always appreciate it! 🙂
-Erica
Here we go…measuring your frame size:
According to the wrist method, I have a small frame because my index and thumb overlap a little. The page does state; however, this is not a truly accurate way to measure your frame size. So, I measured the breadth of my elbow (per their instructions, of course) and it is three inches. That measurement puts me at a large frame. Go figure.
I do have big hands for a girl (I think anyway). If I open my hand and measure from the crease where my palm meets my wrist to the tip of my middle finger it is 7 inches. If I spread my fingers apart and measure from the tip of my thumb to the tip of pinky (across the width of my hand) it is 8.25 inches. I think that is probably larger than most females…so maybe I will be able to pull of 185 and look “thin.” LOL
-Erica
NO kidding – they should definitely have some kind of factor or separate column for the well-endowed! I’m feeling like I look pretty good at 172 right now, so I’m just not going to get hung up on the BMI charts. I’m sure that if I have to find new health insurance, however, they’ll be hung up on where I stand relative to those charts.
Andie,
You’re right…health insurance premiums will definitely show a difference when it comes to being overweight/obese. I think they should go more on body fat percentage and health conditions (if any). If you are 15 pounds “overweight” but your body fat is reasonable and no health complications are on board, I do not think they should have anything to say. It truly is not fair.
-Erica
congrats! as to how I set my goal weight – like you i don’t have a hard target. I know I can get 188 for sure and there was room to go down the last time I was there, but the exact target will be when it feels right
J, This seems like the most logical way to determine “ideal” weight (in my opinion, of course). Taking into consideration how you feel, how you think you look, and body fat percentages…and, of course, any health conditions that may be present for some folks…
-Erica