Introducing myself

NotGoddess

Greetings,

I wanted to introduce myself, give a little history and invite feedback to help me make the most of my time here. Apologies if this is really long, but I wanted to give you a feel for my past habits in case it helps.

Bio data:
Age: 39
Height: 5' 2"
Current weight: 156
Goal weight: 125 (but I may stop along the way if I find a weight I like)
Body fat: (using tape measurements) Covert Bailey: 25.8%, Military: 37.4%, Fit2Fat: 27%
Most of my fat is in my chest/stomach/upper hips, though I've got a layer all over.
Measurements: If you really want them let me know

Weight history (long, but it might be helpful):

I was always a little on the pudgy side growing up-not fat by any means. I didn't have bulges where I shouldn't but I was not lean at all and I was very aware of it. I had a grandmother who'd alternately say I looked chunky, then chide me for not finishing my plate. She had good intentions, but the message I got was "You're fat". It stuck.

In high school I was 5'2" and 125lb. I realize now that wasn't a bad weight, but at the time, I was 'fat' to me. I alternately ate little and binged, had spurts of fitness mania-aerobics, track, softball and generally did all the things teenage girls do to mess themselves up. I never really gained/lost much tho.

I went off to college and 'liberated' myself from the old me. I ate what I wanted, got into running and tried to lose weight with the never-successful 'eat 1000 calories and burn 2000' diet. And of course I'd have days where I'd eat far more 'just this once'. I was about 135 at the end.

In the next 10 years I'd continue those habits. I never really gained more, but I'd get on kick, lose 5lb and gain those back. ....then I'd get pregnant.
I've had 4 kids. After each pregnancy I'd found I'd gained about 10-15lb and again, I didn't go up much from a set point, but if I lost any through diets/exercise I'd find myself back at that post-pregnancy weight within a few months. I used to joke that while I didn't gain weight, but as soon as I lost some, -bam- I got pregnant again.

My high weight was 175lb. I've managed to get down to 165 and keep it there, though I didn't track calories in or out. I'm pretty sure I was still doing the eat a little/eat a lot routine. I walked a lot more though.

Last year I decided to get 'serious' and did a 10 week kickboxing/RT course. I 5lb and went from 37.5% body fat to 34% and lost an inch here and there. I was happier and kept doing the RT (though not at the intesity from the class); the cardio was reduced to walking-avg 30min at 3mph.

In May I started really watched my diet, keeping it below 1000 or exercising more to burn any calories above that. I walked and used a reel mower (love it!). I started actually logging my food and exercise, keeping my net calories below 1000 (400-1000) range and got down to 156.

I've tested positive for gluten intolerance (waiting on final blood results to see if I need to do the biopsy et al). Since I've done the tests I decided to go gluten-free to see if it made a difference while I wait. I've had a few lapses (sushi and cheesecake) but otherwise kept it up. I've not noticed a difference other than losing those 3lb, but I'm not sure if it's gluten or just more exercise.

And we come to today...

Even though I'd read over and over (and over and over) that I need to be eating a lot more calories it just would not stick. Two days ago I read a post by ladyhawk00 where she said (in a very nice way) that people like me are idiots and setting ourselves up for failure (either by gaining the weight back or being skinny-fat). My words-not hers.

So, I'm going to do it. I know I may gain back a couple pounds while my body realizes it's getting enough food-I hope I haven't permanently ruined my metabolism and can get myself on the right track.

Any feedback would be appreciated, and if you want to watchdog me I've made my food log public to help myself be more accountable.

NotGoddess (Sara)

2chubby4now

Welcome! I like your honesty. If you would like a friend, feel free to add me!

whimsy38

Hey Sara,

Please add me to your friends' list. I'm glad you got that message. For the past 10 weeks or son, I've been eating the recommended calories for my weight and lost 151bs and 4 inches of waist. It is OK. I hope you find the tools to help you here.

DakotaKeogh

Welcome aboard. I think you're making the right adjustment. No worries if you gain a couple at first. Ultimately you'll find this works best. Feel free to add me if you want support.

DakotaKeogh

Welcome aboard. I think you're making the right adjustment. No worries if you gain a couple at first. Ultimately you'll find this works best. Feel free to add me if you want support.