To goal weight or NOT to goal weight...that is the question

[NYNikki]

I am 20 pounds from my designated goal weight. I'm down 85 pounds and not even sure why I picked that number as my goal other then it has given me something to stride for.

I'm wondering if this now should be my goal and not worry about the last 20 pounds? I'm happy at this weight, my health is the best it has ever been including my diabetes being controlled by diet alone and no meds.
Now this is going to sound strange but I'm actually afraid to not have something to stride for. I'm afraid to go into another phase and have things change for the worse. Does that make sense?

Nikki

[liddie01]

for your height I'd think 170 is not a bad weight, I am 5'8" and I like myself at 160.

[Bat Spit]

If you're happy and healthy and feel good, then your weight is probably in a good place.

Now this is going to sound strange but I'm actually afraid to not have something to stride for. I'm afraid to go into another phase and have things change for the worse. Does that make sense?

This makes complete sense, but maybe looking at it another way will help. As you adjust your food plan from 'weightloss' to 'maintenance', think about adding some other goal to balance it. A specific fitness goal, like belly dancing, or serious hiking. Something that you can focus your primary attention on while you learn to rebalance your eating.

That might make it less scary.

[BoBoGuy]

Not saying that this site is perfect but it's what I used to select my goal.

Ideal Weight (http://www.halls.md/ideal-weight/body.htm)

Best wishes.

Bo

[ValerieL]

If you feel like making this your goal, go for it. There is nothing to say you can't lower your goal later if you change your mind, but if you like where you are now, why torture yourself into losing more?

I'm 5'7" and my top weight was 340 lbs, and I spent probably around 10 years with my weight between 290 & 340 lbs. For me to get to 170 has been a dream. Something I thought I would only see in fantasies. Sure, I'm technically 11 lbs overweight at 170, but I look good, I feel good, and I'm comfortable here. So, I'm in maintenance right now. I will eventually want to lose more, I'm sure of it. But for today, I'm enjoying maintenance. I've been working hard to lose weight for about 3 years now, I'm burnt out on it, frankly. I don't think there is anything wrong with resetting a goal weight higher than we originally thought it should be.

Val

[lisaz8605]

You know your loss is nothing less than spectacular! You should be so proud and if you're happy where you are, then just focus on that. I've heard maintenance is even more difficult, so if you want a challenge it'll certainly be there. I do like the idea of going for a fitness challenge now...something to keep focus and keep positive.

BTW I used a calcuation in the PP book to come up with 150 for me (small frame, despite the rest of me being large, and at 5' 5"). I suspect you're great at 5' 9" right where you are. Whatever the case, congrats on what you have accomplished and the level of health you know enjoy as a result. There is nothing greater!

[daisyboo]

Nikki

I changed my goal weight to 136 when the experts all say it should be 125-130 cos i'm 5"2 and petite frame, however with lowcarbing and working out i like my body at this size, as we get fitter we do increase our muscle mass which looks leaner on our bodies than underworked muscles/fat anyway so that could easily be a contributing factor... I too felt like you, i was scared that i'd have to probably go very extreme to lose that last weight too and on close consideration decided it was not worth it to me, i'd rather be happy maintaining as i am, my shape is still changing (i recently started a running programme) and over time i would not be surprised if the scale shifts downwards a littel bit but honestly i'm more focused on my bodyfat % now..

i think you've done brilliantly, you are happy and that goal isn't set in stone, you can change it to suit your own needs if you want to.

daisy xxx

[ojoj]

I found that when I neared my goal weight I didnt really know what to do

I had a chat with another low carber who said to me that I should let my body choose when it was at goal. He said that if I enjoyed what and how I was eating then to just keep doing it and my body would stop when it was ready - it did! My goal was 140lbs and the weight loss stopped on its own at 126lbs!

The challenge after that(and still is) was not to gain any, and I've done that by still eating the same as when I was losing.

But you have to do what you feel happy doing

Jo

[Kisal]

I just picked my goal weight out of thin air, so whether or not I ever reach it "exactly" doesn't concern me too terribly much. Long ago (make that long, long ago, when I was 16), a high-school coach told me that a girl my age should weigh 100 pounds at 5' tall, plus 5 pounds for each additional foot of height. I weighed in at exactly the right amount for my height at the time (5' 10".)

Over the years (I'll soon turn 62), my poor body has suffered many physical insults, and I've lost 2" in height to osteoporosis, even though my posture is still fine. So, I felt that if I could get down to 145 pounds, that would be really great. But I'd be quite happy to weigh 150 pounds, or even 160. I have a medium frame, neither particularly large nor small.

Whenever I reach a weight with which I feel satisfied, I'll be more concerned with maintainance than anything else. I'll want to work to keep my weight steady for a year. If I can achieve that, I might think about losing a few more pounds, but I won't consider it to be a big deal if it never happens. My main goal is to never, never, ever gain any of it back again!

[MamaSara6]

Nikki, I'm 5'9" also and my goal is 145, but I'm not sure I need to get there either. I was working out very hard with The FIRM last year and was very happy with my shape. Eating LC has become so much more than a diet at this point. While I have temporarily jumped off the wagon for T-day, :( , it is a lifestyle that I want to maintain whether I ever lose any more weight or not.

I like ojoj's suggestion of letting your body seek it's own goal by eating the way you are comfortable, as long as that doesn't mean gaining.

[NYNikki]

WOW, thank you all for your support and suggestions.

I picked my goal weight by analyzing myself and what it would look like on me and thought 150 sounded about right. I now think 175 is the way I imagined 150 to feel - so maybe I misjudged my goal weight.

I have no idea really what 150 would feel like because I've never been 150 EVER. I've always been overweight and was even born overweight (12lbs. 6oz) so really 150 is not a weight I've been familiar with.

I am not one to go by any chart system to determine anything because I have always found them misleading and since we are all different with different views - charts don't pertain to everyone - especially not an anal detailed person as myself. :eek:

I also don't believe in the scale as a way of weighing your weight. I weigh myself to keep my stats current but only when I feel a change for the good or bad. If I weighed myself on a regular basis I know I would drive myself nuts :spin:.

If I was 500lbs and it felt good then that’s all that matters in my book and I don't need a scale or some guideline to tell me different. BUT … I was NOT feeling good at 255! And 175 feels good but will 150 feel even better?

I’m still wearing my old clothes - I'm glad those big belts are coming back in style or my clothes would fall off me! I've more or less put off buying anything new until I reach goal or get closer to it. I go in stores, try on things (that actually fit & look good) and then walk out with nothing. That seems to be an old habit from before of not being able to find anything that fit or looked good at my higher weight.

I realize now that I may be over analyzing myself and should enjoy the weight I am today and just keep doing as I have been doing - after all thats what got me to where I am today.

A friend asked 'so after reaching goal weight, what does maintenance mean?' - to tell you the truth - I really don't even know except it means to move to another phase. She then asked, "if it meant it was legal to cheat then?" :lol:

Nikki

[Charran]

Interesting question and one that I have started thinking on somewhat. I've lost over 40 pounds, but still don't feel any slimmer really. Maybe this is because it's happened over an extended period of time and I've just gotten "used to" the weight I am now. I determined my "goal weight" by an old WW standard, back in the day when I attended and they said 153 was at the top of my range, so I just rounded it off to 150. Truth be told, I haven't weighed 150 pounds since juniour high school, so I have no recollection of what that's even like anymore. I think as I get closer, I will have to re-think this goal process, but I really do believe, it's just a number. I think it has to do more with how you feel and how happy you are at that weight. If 170 makes you happy and you feel healthy and strong, then make that your goal!

[SandraEB73]

This is such an interesting question. I too used some arbitrary scale that says a 32 y/o female at 5'7" needs to weigh between 125 and 155, so I rounded down. As I've mentioned in my journal, I was down to high 140's before I had my first child. My family and friends thought I was dying or on drugs . I still felt fat then, but looking back I looked like crap. I had bones sticking out all over, it was sick. I do't know why 11 years later I still feel that I need to achieve that sickly looking weight.
I used the Ideal Weight site that BOBOGuy linked to and according to that, the average opinion best weight for me is 163, 13 lbs higher than my goal weight. strangely enough, after reviewing old fitday journals that is where my body kind of landed last time around and I felt really good and thought I looked pretty good too.
This will be something to think about when when I get closer to goal time. I think it will only be a partial factor though, and the other componants will be, how do my clothes fit, and how do I feel.

[bkloots]

Thirty years ago, my Weight Watchers goal weight was 128. Achieving and staying at that weight would entitle me to FREE MEETINGS! What a treat. Not!:lol:

However, the number still sticks in my head, and I use it as my carrot-on-a-stick. Or should I say, low-carb veggie on a stick. Sort of having it as a goal reminds me that maintenance is still a journey. There is no destination.

That said, I do put a strict UPPER limit on my maintenance weight. No more denial for this gal. If I happen to let the Weight Creep slap as much as five pounds on my butt, I take corrective action immediately.

So...you've achieved a phenomenal weight loss. And you are a Poster Child for the effectiveness of low-carb in controlling diabetes. I hope your doctor is taking note--and is very excited about you. Being able to maintain comfortably is an achievement all its own. Enjoy yourself!

[NYNikki]

I used the Ideal Weight site that BOBOGuy linked to and according to that, the average opinion best weight for me is 163, 13 lbs higher than my goal weight. strangely enough, after reviewing old fitday journals that is where my body kind of landed last time around and I felt really good and thought I looked pretty good too

My Ideal Weight calculations said:
People Choice Ideal Weight: 185lbs ... that’s 15 lbs more then I am today ... :eek:

I'm a medium to large frame and if you met me today - you would think I can stand to lose a 'few pounds' - although I know what I once was and proud to be where I am today. I do not have the perfect ideal body or weight but as long as I am healthy I will be satisfied.

I never started LC in order to have a model skinny rock hard body - all I expected was to become healthy and achieve a comfortable weight. Both of which - I have accomplished even if I never hit my targeted goal weight... :agree:

Nikki

[Enomarb]

Hi Nikki-
come over to the Premaintenance/Maintenance area and see how we do it.
It sounds like you need to give yourself permission to be different- and to be the new size you are. PLEASE BUY NEW CLOTHES. If $ is an issue- go to thrift stores. You are a new and differnt body- take care of it by dressing it in clothes that fit. If you continue to be in denial of what you have changed, you are setting yourself up. Pay attention to all the new/different/good things you have done for yourself with this WOE. You are worth it- and you don't have to wait until some arbitrary 'goal' to take care of yourself. If you like trying on lots of clothes- do it- but you need to get some too!

I had no goal, but when I reached 150 I knew that was 'it' for me. That's also when I joined this forum, so I set my 'goal' there. But my body had different ideas, and continued to lose until 125 (the ideal according to BoBo's link). I have tried to trust my body. BTW- I don't 'cheat' - and I am still on plan 3 years later.
CONGRATS
E

[lisaz8605]

You see, now THAT's inspiring Enomarb. Some people "say" WOL and long-term...but you are a shining example!

I truly believe in dressing to fit your body no matter what your size. I go to K-mart and Wal-mart and buy clearance tops and things as I go. I even do the same for workout clothes (which people usually wear baggie) to continue to look as good as I can. It really perks me up and motivates me to continue to look better. Great idea about the thrift stores! I have been donating clothing to them for awhile, especially one through my MILs church and also pick up items there as well. It's a great give-n-take that doesn't hurt the budget!

[NYNikki]

Sort of having it as a goal reminds me that maintenance is still a journey. There is no destination.

I hope your doctor is taking note--and is very excited about you. Being able to maintain comfortably is an achievement all its own

bkloots, You are so correct 'maintenance is still a journey and there is no destination'.

I have come to love and adore the whole LC concept. That may be because of the benefits I've achieved or the knowledge I have learned or just the plain positive aspect of Low Carbing but yes, it is a nice change to be comfortable.

As far as my doctor taking note ... hmm, you have to read my past posts to see my comment's about the medical world - thats a whole different subject and not one for the faint of heart, so beware.

come over to the Premaintenance/Maintenance area and see how we do it.
It sounds like you need to give yourself permission to be different- and to be the new size you are. PLEASE BUY NEW CLOTHES. If $ is an issue- go to thrift stores. You are a new and differnt body- take care of it by dressing it in clothes that fit. If you continue to be in denial of what you have changed, you are setting yourself up. Pay attention to all the new/different/good things you have done for yourself with this WOE. You are worth it- and you don't have to wait until some arbitrary 'goal' to take care of yourself. If you like trying on lots of clothes- do it- but you need to get some too!

Enomarb, Thanks for the invite. I have been lurking the Premaintenance/Maintenance area lately, lol. I know that I am not alone in my feelings of transition and need to join a group in my circle of concerns.

You said.. If $ is an issue- go to thrift stores ... I happen to be blessed in life that I don't suffer financially - if so I would NOT be living in NYC! Money is not an issue rather then the issue being that I hoped to be a stable weight before I invest in new clothing. I have giving a lot of my clothes away - some with sales tags still attached and they were not at all cheaply priced - but price doesn't matter to me - it just feels good NOT to have that size clothes sitting in my closet anymore.

I am a partner for a top five firm with a very elite clientele. My position insists that I dress the part so I have been getting by with my past clothing since I wear suits (jacket & skirt's). I don't dress sappy. ;) Yes, you are correct, I am worth it. I'm planning a shopping trip while in Rome next week on business. I'm even thinking of a fitted suit since I never was able to wear them before! Yippe for me!

Nikki

[BoBoGuy]

My Ideal Weight calculations said:
People Choice Ideal Weight: 185lbs ... that’s 15 lbs more then I am today ... :eek:

I'm a medium to large frame and if you met me today - you would think I can stand to lose a 'few pounds' - although I know what I once was and proud to be where I am today. I do not have the perfect ideal body or weight but as long as I am healthy I will be satisfied.

I never started LC in order to have a model skinny rock hard body - all I expected was to become healthy and achieve a comfortable weight. Both of which - I have accomplished even if I never hit my targeted goal weight... :agree:

Nikki

Hi Nikki,

Just for fun I plugged your 69 inch height and current 170 pounds with a guess of 30 for you age and the weight calculator suggested that you ideal weight was 149 pounds. I'm not sure why it told you 185? Might want to try it again.

Ideal Weight Calculator (http://www.halls.md/ideal-weight/body.htm)

Best wishes.

Bo

[NYNikki]

Just for fun I plugged your 69 inch height and current 170 pounds with a guess of 30 for you age and the weight calculator suggested that you ideal weight was 149 pounds. I'm not sure why it told you 185? Might want to try it again.

Thanks for the 30 age range but I am 45 years old!
I tried it using what was my starting weight (255) since that number would of been used to try figure on a goal weight.

Weight: 255
Height: 5'9"
Age: 44 (age when started LC)
Gender: Female
= 185lbs.

If I used this site to first set a goal over a year ago at 255lbs and 44 yrs old - I would of got a suggestion of 185lb BUT if I did it today at my current weight (170lbs and 45 yrs old) it says 152lbs. :confused: ... thats a 33lb difference. :roll:

So, I picked 150 as my goal weight, I'm 170 today (happy & comfty), at 255 my goal would of been 185, at 170 my goal whould be 152, I'm 45 but you thought I was 30 and you got a goal of 149 ... I'm thinking we should take all these numbers, scramble them up and gamble them ... we just might have better luck with a final outcome ... :lol:

Nikki

[BoBoGuy]

Thanks for the 30 age range but I am 45 years old!
I tried it using what was my starting weight (255) since that number would of been used to try figure on a goal weight.

Weight: 255
Height: 5'9"
Age: 44 (age when started LC)
Gender: Female
= 185lbs.

If I used this site to first set a goal over a year ago at 255lbs and 44 yrs old - I would of got a suggestion of 185lb BUT if I did it today at my current weight (170lbs and 45 yrs old) it says 152lbs. :confused: ... thats a 33lb difference. :roll:

So, I picked 150 as my goal weight, I'm 170 today (happy & comfty), at 255 my goal would of been 185, at 170 my goal whould be 152, I'm 45 but you thought I was 30 and you got a goal of 149 ... I'm thinking we should take all these numbers, scramble them up and gamble them ... we just might have better luck with a final outcome ... :lol:

Nikki

Hi Nikki,

Now I understand or at least I think I do. Below is what the calculator computes.

It shows the average weight that other people of your Age, Height, Weight and Gender would describe as their ideal weight.

A 250 pound person might have a different expectation of their ideal weight than a 150 pound person and the calculator knows this. As my weight dropped, the calculator would constantly readjust my ideal weight to a lower number. Finally, when I reached 170 pounds it stopped dropping and said that my ideal weight was now 170. Today I'm 167 and it's telling me to gain 2 pounds! Like I said, I suspect it's not perfect but it's the best I've found in my weight loss journey.

Best to you.

Bo

[NYNikki]

Honestly, I don't think any 250lb person would be concerened with what a 170 or 150 pound person feels is an ideal weight.
* NO offence to 170 pounder's *

Nikki

[Kisal]

NYNikki, what I did was just buy myself 1 or 2 outfits at a time, and when they began to look baggy on me, I'd send them off to Goodwill and get myself 2 new outfits in my new size. I know that where I live everything is a lot less expensive than where you are (my son lives in NYC), but you really should have at least a couple of outfits that make you feel like you look really spiffy.

I just broke through a stall that lasted a full 3 months, and I was miserable seeing the scale stuck at the same old number week after week. I honestly began to think the scale was broken! But every time I'd see my friends, they'd invariably say, "Wow! You look great, and you're still losing weight, aren't you!" Those comments really helped me to stay with my plan, regardless of the numbers on the scale. Then suddenly last week, when I least expected it (due to Thanksgiving), I dropped another 5 pounds. Not a huge loss certainly, but to me it meant that my body chemistry had finally restabilized and I could look forward to continuing to lose weight.

I wore the smallest dress I own when I went out to dinner on Thanksgiving, and it was really big on me. So, fairly soon, I'll get myself another 1 or 2 dresses, even though I seldom have any occasion to get dressed up. Folks will notice that you've lost weight, because they'll be able to see it in your face. But you might never hear that "Wow! You look great!" I can't tell you how wonderful it is to hear that. :wave:

[bkloots]

Gee whiz, Eno. I wish MY body would have a "different idea" on its own and decide to drop ten pounds.:lol: But like you, after four years on LC, I've decided to trust it--the plan, as well as the body.

Without scientific testing, it's impossible to tell what my overall body composition really is--lean vs. fat. Because of faithful workouts, both cardio and weights, I have to assume that I have more muscle than the average woman of my age/height. Also, the location of my remaining fat--almost entirely in the butt and thighs--is certainly no threat to heart health. It just makes it hard to get pants that fit right. Big deal. So that "last ten pounds" is really just my reminder that the journey continues.

[Cajunboy47]

Hi Nikki,

If I'm the person you're going to block, you won't be reading this right now...... :)

I think you raised an interesting question also. I have a slightly different perspective to add...........

First, congratulations on your weight loss. Isn't it wonerful to be at a happy weight? I hope to feel like that one day and in part I will owe it to positive thinking people such as yourself.

My take on ideal weight: It is a fantasy. In the beginning, we used it for motivation to find our ideal way of eating (WOE). Now, you've reached a comfortable weight, so do you start eating differently? I don't think so. I think from this point on, for you, you are now in a new zone, where we all want to be. You simply enjoy your WOE and let the weight stay or drop. Your body will find it's proper baseline weight, just as surely as "water seeks its own level". You're in the homestretch, downhill from here, don't look back cause you're doing it....

Congratulations!

Ron