5 replies to this topic

[Me 1/2 Way]

Hi,

I haven't posted in ages but I'm at the point in my weight loss journey where I'm having some goal weight confusion . How do you know when you are at goal weight? I reached my first goal weight and then decided to keep going another 15 lbs...well I'm anticipating during my consultant day tomorrow I will most likely be discussing whether I should move to maintenance or reset my goal. Since the beginning of October 2010, I have lost 64 lbs. I'm between a size 12/14. When I started this journey, I had a wardrobe that I was working to fit into and it now fits and in some circumstances it is loose but somehow I feel as though I should continue my weight loss journey as I'm still in a weight range that is considered unhealthy according to the BMI standards. To be within the healthy BMI standards, I would need to reset my goal weight to lose 16 more pounds. Part of me has a desire to continue as I want to be the healthiest I can be and then another part of me is worried that I will struggle to maintain that weight; whereas, the weight I'm at now is comfortable but seems maintainable. As well, although I know it is silly and should not be entertained...all the clothing I worked hard to fit into would not fit me and I would have to go and buy a whole new wardrobe...although fun to shop...costly.... I'm looking for others who have been at this same point in their weight loss journey for advice...any suggestions are welcome and most appreciated. I wish everyone well in their maintenance and I hope to join you soon,

[tylerbrandonsmom]

First off, congrats on your loss! Anyway, I am a bit confused as to what I am going to do as well. I have 6 pounds to go but even when I hit that goal I am still considered 5 pounds over a "healthy weight"
When I originally set my goal I said 160 because that was the smallest I had ever been in my adult life. 55 pounds seemed impossible anyway. Well I am almost there and I think I may try for a little more. I think it is just about where you feel comfortable with your weight. I think it is one of those things that I will just know when I get there what is good for me. Good luck!

[JWinATL]

If you ladies would figure this out, it would help me! I am about 6 pounds from my lowest when I was on Jenny in 2004 (164). I am technically at my first goal, and I have lost and gained over the last month. I started Jillian Michaels' 30-Day Shred about a week ago, and I am done with it! I actually gained 3 pounds (I know - water from muscle repair), and it is annoying the {fill in the blank} out of me. I did much better with straight cardio, but I thought I needed to tone. Back to straight cardilo for the kid, here.

To the question: my JCC says it is up to me. Right now, I am eating 1/2 Jenny and 1/2 my own food (alternating days on and off). But, there is a side of me that really, really wants to get to 160. All of my doctors (so far) have found my weight to be good for me, but, like you, I am still considered "overweight" from a BMI standpoint.

Any one else want to chime in?

LOVE, JILL

[onehotmama2be]

First of all, congratulations to all of you on these tremendous losses! Woo hoo!

Now, to try to help answer your question. When I went on JC back in 2007, my goal was to go from 221 to 170...170 put me within my healthy BMI weight range and got me back to my weight on my wedding day. I maintained that for years. Gained back a few and restarted with a ferocious commitment and got down to a new goal - 160. Since then, I've fluctuated between 158 and 162, usually around 159, which is very close to the center of my BMI range. I'd love to weigh under 155, but this is my "happy" weight - meaning, it's relatively easy for me to maintain. I wear a size 6/8/10, depending on the brand, and as a 5 ft 10, 42 y.o. mom of 3, I can live with that!

My question to you is this: why are you concerned about your goal weight number? Why not consider yourself at maintenance and enjoy your progress where you are now? Learn to live life at maintenance, which is (according to JC) fluctuating up and down a few pounds based on life's circumstances, but never more than 5 pounds up or down. Then, if you feel like you want to try a lower weight, do so!

By this point in your journey, hopefully you are enjoying many days on your own, food-wise, so that you know how you will live your life at maintenance. Hang there for a bit. Reflect on and rejoice at your success! Rediscover that side of your closet! Then re-evaluate. As long as you are in your healthy weight range, I would think that your "happy weight" number should be based on what you want, not what your consultant wants!

Jill - word on the weight gain! Weight training always makes me hold on to water...it makes me crazy; but I like how I feel when I'm doing it. Stupid scale!!

Hope this helps -
Sue

[JWinATL]

I threw myself on my JCC's mercy today, and I go back in on Friday (instead of a week from Tuesday as previously planned). I expressed my fears to Lynn, and she mentioned that she has several clients who balance JC in with regular food ALL THE TIME. Many eat 2 JC meals a day, which would work for me (lunch and dinner - I do great with breakfast). My hard time is post-dinner. My snacks have portion creep. Lynn (who was with Weight Watchers for 20 years as a consultant) suggested I eat a cheese stick before the snack if I am tempted to eat more than, say, one 100 calorie snack. The protein will help fill me up and satisfy me, and at 50 calories (I eat the low fat ones), it is not a bad choice. I LOVE LYNN!!!

Thanks for the advice, Susan! As always, sage advice. The problem is, I am not in the normal BMI for my height. I should be about 20 pounds lighter according to JC. But, the problem with BMIs is that they don't really take into account frame and age - just height. I could maintain 150 back when I was 30 years younger; now, not so much.

I think I will take the advice to maintain for a while. But, I have deep-sixed Jillian. I love her on TBL, and I think if I were 30 years younger, again, it would be a good choice. I am not in a hurry to do a darn thing, so why stress myself out and put strain on my body? I will stick with Leslie Sansone, add in my jogging, and be HAPPY ABOUT IT.

LOVE, JILL

[Me 1/2 Way]

Thanks to everyone who replied with some great advice! I did reach goal weight on Saturday and I have asked my consultant if I can take this week to think about whether I am at goal weight or whether I will set another goal weight. I am leaning towards declaring another 10 lbs to lose before I declare I am truly at goal weight. Thanks again and hope you are all doing well,