When to Quit
beastmode_kitty
Posts: 845 Member
My family as well as my hubby think that I am getting to be too small and that im obsessing over losing another 10-15lbs.
I'm 5'8, 159 pounds and about 23-24% body fat. I want to get down to 150 pounds and about 20% body fat.
My mid-section is the last thing to go now, and I measure once a week and haven't seen much of a change over the past few months. I've been eating around 1500-1600 calories a day, I lift 3x a week, HIIT cardio twice a week, and do some cardio after I lift.
I'm not sure if I should just be happy with where I have gotten as it seems I have stalled as far as inches go, or should I just keep pushing thru?
I'm 5'8, 159 pounds and about 23-24% body fat. I want to get down to 150 pounds and about 20% body fat.
My mid-section is the last thing to go now, and I measure once a week and haven't seen much of a change over the past few months. I've been eating around 1500-1600 calories a day, I lift 3x a week, HIIT cardio twice a week, and do some cardio after I lift.
I'm not sure if I should just be happy with where I have gotten as it seems I have stalled as far as inches go, or should I just keep pushing thru?
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Replies
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I'd say keep pushing! Your goal weight puts you right in the middle of a healthy BMI, so I don't think you're going to make yourself sick.
How long have you been lifting? Did you just start recently?0 -
You look great, but I'd say the decision to lose more/work on body fat % is up to you. 150 lbs would put your at a very healthy weight for your height.0
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It's the last thing to go on me too. If you're still enjoying yourself then keep going! If you're tired, take a break at maintenance for a while. Honestly, though, I think that achieving the weight you want (provided that it's in a healthy range - which 20% certainly is) is totally thrilling and totally possible. Congratulations on everything you've accomplished so far!0
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I agree with what the posters above me said - but I will ask, *are* you obsessing over the number on the scale, or is that just their characterization of you being serious about your fitness?0
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You look great but if you want to loose another 10pds go for it! Don't listen to anyone but yourself. It's not like you want to be 100pds, and are going to make urself sick, just stick to your goals and don't let anyone discourage you no to
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You look great but you can definitely afford to keep going. How about a diet break to get those inches moving again (a few weeks eating at maintenance, before resuming deficit).0
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As long as your not obsessing or trying to get to an unhealthy weight (which you aren't), then go for it.0
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PeachyPlum wrote: »I'd say keep pushing! Your goal weight puts you right in the middle of a healthy BMI, so I don't think you're going to make yourself sick.
How long have you been lifting? Did you just start recently?
Been lifting seriously since about December or so. I love lifting, its just trying to find the right amount of calories to eat at to get me to my goal. Eating at 1500 hasn't been the greatest for me as i fight to stay awake in the evening (i work night shifts) and I get some headaches. So I have increased my calories as of today to 1600 for the week, and then see how it goes, and up it again if I have to.
I'm also between a size 10 and a size 12, so I'd like to get down to a size 10 at least.
And yes I do obsess with the number on the scale, its really really hard for me NOT to weigh myself. I've tried taking the scale away and everything. Bad habit, I know.0 -
So, are you obsessing, or do you just want to lose a little more? My goal is 139 lbs and I'm much taller than you- 5'11. At 5'8 and 150 lbs you would be a 22.8 BMI, which is in the upper half of BMI ranges (the exact middle is 21.7- 143 lbs at your height). As long as you're not exhibiting any troubling obsessive behaviour, your family may just not be used to seeing you at a healthy weight.
You would be underweight at 121 lbs. Don't dip to that weight and you're good.0 -
I agree with what the posters above me said - but I will ask, *are* you obsessing over the number on the scale, or is that just their characterization of you being serious about your fitness?
This is a good point - I was thinking since you said you measure once a week, that didn't sound too obsessive.
It's possible that back when you started on this path, your family and friends were supportive, even if it took away from time you could spend with them, because they understood you had some weight to lose for health purposes
And now that you've lost 75 pounds and they see you at a healthier weight, they are starting to feel like you're prioritizing what they see as vanity pounds over them.
NOT to say that you should quit, but maybe you need to have a talk with friends and family to redefine their expectations of your priorities and time with them, etc...
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Today I was 149.2 (down from 167) and I'm 5'11. 150 and 5'8 isn't extreme by any means. I think you should go for it!
I find it easier when I listen to me when it comes to my weight. I'm miserable where others feel I'm perfect. My happy range is 145-155. Other people feel my happy range is 155-165. Listen to yourself, you'll feel better for it.0 -
I was obsessing over it, I stalled at 160-164 for like 3 months, no inches lost. Played around with calories to see what is the right intake for me. I measure myself once a week, but I weigh myself daily. Most of my family, other than my hubby knows I do that.
I know I for sure don't wanna go lower than 145. THat would look too sickly on me I think. I just want the mid-section gone, and then I'd be even more happier than what I have accomplished so far.0 -
How is the subject coming up? If you're bringing it up, that may be why they think you're obsessing. If they're bringing it up, there's no need to go into details, IMO. It's your business. So for example, if a family member says, "Wow, you're getting so tiny - you can stop now," a simple "Thank you" is sufficient, IMO. No need to say, for instance, "Oh, I still have 5-10 more pounds to go." If you do, they're on the spot and may think you actually want reinforcement that you already look okay, hence the "no, you'll be too skinny" comments.
They're not even going to notice 5 or 10 more pounds, so go ahead with your goals, IMO, and just don't make your body everyone's business.
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Look at it from your family's point of view. You know you are just doing what it takes, since they do not count and track or likely have a goal they do not put any thought into it so seeing somebody weighing, logging and measuring on a daily basis probably appears crazy obsessive.
Either ignore them and do your thing or sit them down and give them the 411 on your program. Once educated on the what and whys of your behavior they may become more understanding.
On the flip side, people grow tired of people who constantly talk about food, calories, diets, weight , ect.0 -
I wouldn't quit based on your family's opinion. Your goal is a healthy one and if you're still happy with the idea of eventually reaching it then keep going!
Families can have trouble reconciling changes in someone else, particularly if they're accustomed to seeing them in a certain way.0 -
I'm going to second @LAWoman72
You know that your goal is reasonable. I say keep aiming for it.
The rest of it depends on why they are saying this to you. If you are talking about it constantly and letting your goal stand in the way of doing normal activities, then maybe you're obsessing too much and you should take a break for a bit. If they are bringing it up just as a "you're looking too skinny" thing, that's a pretty normal reaction that people get during weight loss and I would just blow it off.0 -
Thats the thing. I dont talk about it unless they bring it up. I avoid it as much as possible.0
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It's up to you whether or not you're happy with where you are! Is there more that could come off? Sure. Are you ok where you're at, healthwise? Probably.
Your body, your goals!
:drinker:
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I am ok, but im not at the same time. I just dislike the fat rolls around my tummy.0
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preciouskitten wrote: »I am ok, but im not at the same time. I just dislike the fat rolls around my tummy.
Your goal is completely healthy and acceptable. Perhaps a diet break would help you clear your mind and relax a little. Anyway, I get it. I'm getting smaller and smaller but not seeing the changes I thought I would at this weight. It's kind of emotional.0 -
preciouskitten wrote: »Thats the thing. I dont talk about it unless they bring it up. I avoid it as much as possible.
Okay.
If they're bringing it up as "you're too skinny," have an honest talk with them and let them know that you're uncomfortable with the subject constantly coming up. Don't defend your actual weight or anything like that. Tell them YOUR DOCTOR says you're extremely healthy. Put the focus on health, not weight, and assure them that yours is fine and you feel well. If they ask whether you're looking to lose more, tell them you're not focusing on weight loss per se right now, just good health. Or that's what I'd do.
If they're bringing it up as "you look good," just say thank you.
If they're bringing it up because they like the old you, that's on them and they're going to need to work that out.
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I guess my first question would be are you actually obsessing over this. I know your first response it going to be "no" but really truely think about it. It's easy to be in denial that we are harboring an obsession.
My second question is are you doubting your goal weight too? If so it never hurts to maintain for a bit, keep working on your fitness, and re-evaluate in a couple months. Who knows what kind of changes you will see in that time? Maybe it will give you and you family peace of mind. Maybe it will just give them time to get used to the new and smaller you so they can get behind your next goal.0 -
4legsRbetterthan2 wrote: »I guess my first question would be are you actually obsessing over this. I know your first response it going to be "no" but really truely think about it. It's easy to be in denial that we are harboring an obsession.
My second question is are you doubting your goal weight too? If so it never hurts to maintain for a bit, keep working on your fitness, and re-evaluate in a couple months. Who knows what kind of changes you will see in that time? Maybe it will give you and you family peace of mind. Maybe it will just give them time to get used to the new and smaller you so they can get behind your next goal.
I guess I am a bit obsessed about reaching 150, but it bothers me more than anything that I am not losing inches.
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4legsRbetterthan2 wrote: »I guess my first question would be are you actually obsessing over this. I know your first response it going to be "no" but really truely think about it. It's easy to be in denial that we are harboring an obsession.
My second question is are you doubting your goal weight too? If so it never hurts to maintain for a bit, keep working on your fitness, and re-evaluate in a couple months. Who knows what kind of changes you will see in that time? Maybe it will give you and you family peace of mind. Maybe it will just give them time to get used to the new and smaller you so they can get behind your next goal.
what is wrong with having a goal to be lean? Why is that considered obsessing?0 -
4legsRbetterthan2 wrote: »I guess my first question would be are you actually obsessing over this. I know your first response it going to be "no" but really truely think about it. It's easy to be in denial that we are harboring an obsession.
My second question is are you doubting your goal weight too? If so it never hurts to maintain for a bit, keep working on your fitness, and re-evaluate in a couple months. Who knows what kind of changes you will see in that time? Maybe it will give you and you family peace of mind. Maybe it will just give them time to get used to the new and smaller you so they can get behind your next goal.
what is wrong with having a goal to be lean? Why is that considered obsessing?
Thats what my family is starting to think.
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preciouskitten wrote: »4legsRbetterthan2 wrote: »I guess my first question would be are you actually obsessing over this. I know your first response it going to be "no" but really truely think about it. It's easy to be in denial that we are harboring an obsession.
My second question is are you doubting your goal weight too? If so it never hurts to maintain for a bit, keep working on your fitness, and re-evaluate in a couple months. Who knows what kind of changes you will see in that time? Maybe it will give you and you family peace of mind. Maybe it will just give them time to get used to the new and smaller you so they can get behind your next goal.
what is wrong with having a goal to be lean? Why is that considered obsessing?
Thats what my family is starting to think.
it is just a goal. Everyone needs goals in their lives. I would say do what you want to do, and if you want to get to 20% body fat then go for it.
my dad tried telling me that 15% body fat was good enough, but I pushed for 12% got there, and then ran a bulk …
there was nothing "obsessive about it" I set a gaol and tried to attain it.0 -
preciouskitten wrote: »4legsRbetterthan2 wrote: »I guess my first question would be are you actually obsessing over this. I know your first response it going to be "no" but really truely think about it. It's easy to be in denial that we are harboring an obsession.
My second question is are you doubting your goal weight too? If so it never hurts to maintain for a bit, keep working on your fitness, and re-evaluate in a couple months. Who knows what kind of changes you will see in that time? Maybe it will give you and you family peace of mind. Maybe it will just give them time to get used to the new and smaller you so they can get behind your next goal.
what is wrong with having a goal to be lean? Why is that considered obsessing?
Thats what my family is starting to think.
it is just a goal. Everyone needs goals in their lives. I would say do what you want to do, and if you want to get to 20% body fat then go for it.
my dad tried telling me that 15% body fat was good enough, but I pushed for 12% got there, and then ran a bulk …
there was nothing "obsessive about it" I set a gaol and tried to attain it.
Its really hard for me to get to my goal lately. I guess its because I have gotten smaller since the fall time. Perhaps I'm expecting too much too soon too. Hopefully eating 1600 calories will help.
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preciouskitten wrote: »preciouskitten wrote: »4legsRbetterthan2 wrote: »I guess my first question would be are you actually obsessing over this. I know your first response it going to be "no" but really truely think about it. It's easy to be in denial that we are harboring an obsession.
My second question is are you doubting your goal weight too? If so it never hurts to maintain for a bit, keep working on your fitness, and re-evaluate in a couple months. Who knows what kind of changes you will see in that time? Maybe it will give you and you family peace of mind. Maybe it will just give them time to get used to the new and smaller you so they can get behind your next goal.
what is wrong with having a goal to be lean? Why is that considered obsessing?
Thats what my family is starting to think.
it is just a goal. Everyone needs goals in their lives. I would say do what you want to do, and if you want to get to 20% body fat then go for it.
my dad tried telling me that 15% body fat was good enough, but I pushed for 12% got there, and then ran a bulk …
there was nothing "obsessive about it" I set a gaol and tried to attain it.
Its really hard for me to get to my goal lately. I guess its because I have gotten smaller since the fall time. Perhaps I'm expecting too much too soon too. Hopefully eating 1600 calories will help.
how long have you been dieting for and eating in a deficit?0 -
preciouskitten wrote: »preciouskitten wrote: »4legsRbetterthan2 wrote: »I guess my first question would be are you actually obsessing over this. I know your first response it going to be "no" but really truely think about it. It's easy to be in denial that we are harboring an obsession.
My second question is are you doubting your goal weight too? If so it never hurts to maintain for a bit, keep working on your fitness, and re-evaluate in a couple months. Who knows what kind of changes you will see in that time? Maybe it will give you and you family peace of mind. Maybe it will just give them time to get used to the new and smaller you so they can get behind your next goal.
what is wrong with having a goal to be lean? Why is that considered obsessing?
Thats what my family is starting to think.
it is just a goal. Everyone needs goals in their lives. I would say do what you want to do, and if you want to get to 20% body fat then go for it.
my dad tried telling me that 15% body fat was good enough, but I pushed for 12% got there, and then ran a bulk …
there was nothing "obsessive about it" I set a gaol and tried to attain it.
Its really hard for me to get to my goal lately. I guess its because I have gotten smaller since the fall time. Perhaps I'm expecting too much too soon too. Hopefully eating 1600 calories will help.
how long have you been dieting for and eating in a deficit?
I was eating around 1700 cals from December until about 2 weeks ago, and bumped it down to 1500. Today I just bumped it back up to 1600.
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preciouskitten wrote: »preciouskitten wrote: »preciouskitten wrote: »4legsRbetterthan2 wrote: »I guess my first question would be are you actually obsessing over this. I know your first response it going to be "no" but really truely think about it. It's easy to be in denial that we are harboring an obsession.
My second question is are you doubting your goal weight too? If so it never hurts to maintain for a bit, keep working on your fitness, and re-evaluate in a couple months. Who knows what kind of changes you will see in that time? Maybe it will give you and you family peace of mind. Maybe it will just give them time to get used to the new and smaller you so they can get behind your next goal.
what is wrong with having a goal to be lean? Why is that considered obsessing?
Thats what my family is starting to think.
it is just a goal. Everyone needs goals in their lives. I would say do what you want to do, and if you want to get to 20% body fat then go for it.
my dad tried telling me that 15% body fat was good enough, but I pushed for 12% got there, and then ran a bulk …
there was nothing "obsessive about it" I set a gaol and tried to attain it.
Its really hard for me to get to my goal lately. I guess its because I have gotten smaller since the fall time. Perhaps I'm expecting too much too soon too. Hopefully eating 1600 calories will help.
how long have you been dieting for and eating in a deficit?
I was eating around 1700 cals from December until about 2 weeks ago, and bumped it down to 1500. Today I just bumped it back up to 1600.
do you use a food scale?
weight/log/measure everything..??0
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