Why keep losing...?

Lamondra

This post isn't as dramatic as it sounds...just a genuine question.

In 6 months I have monitored my eating, completed couch to 5k and lost 25 lbs. I feel great. I love my new curves and definition (especially my newly awesome thighs). I'm fitting size 12-14 (UK). I'm amazed that I can run for an hour and not die. I have lots of energy and generally love my life.

In the last month or so I've been bouncing around 178lbs up or down a lb here and there. I am exercising for at least an hour 5 or 6 times a week and thinking about everything I eat, although occasionally making the decision to give into temptation (evil Magnum Infinty - not actually infinite as it turns out).

This is a lifestyle change that I feel I can maintain at the current level for the rest of my life. However...I'm still 30lb ish overweight. What will I gain out of pushing myself harder to lose more? I know it sounds like a facetious question. It's not necessarily the "live longer", "less strain on your organs" replies I'm looking for. I know the technical details already and may make an informed decision to choose a shorter life with more quality to it. (Maybe...)

Is there anyone out there who has gone the extra mile to get to the 150s from the 200s that can share their experience? How much better do you feel? Is there a point where you stopped feeling improvement in your wellbeing and plateaued in the quality of your life? Is there a point where the quality dips in order to maintain your "ideal weight"?

All opinions gratefully received )

Francesca3162

I spent most of my adult life between 175-185 before blowing up to 200. I started this journey when I quit smoking because I did not want to gain weight. I always thought I was ok at 180, but truth was that I convinced myself of that...
I am at 167 now, and feel better than I have in years... I am sure the not smoking has alot to do with that!!
I am not sure where I am going to stop.. my goal is 140- that is not based on size, or clothes, or scale, but on BMI......
It is a personal decision-- only you can make it for you!!

Good Luck!!

tuppance

I am also interested in people's thoughts. I am not really sure what my goal weight is, I think I would be very happy with a uk size 12/14 anything less will , at my age, make me look haggard and older - but I am willing to be re-educated

dad106

I'm 5'9 and started at 180... while I was in college, I thought that was fine. Granted I had a stomach that stuck out, love handles and the whole nine yards.. but since my friends looked like that too, I thought I was fine.

Well low and behold I lost 30 pounds and became smaller then ever before.. and now I'm addicted. I will never let myself get back to the size I was or looking the way I was. I'm enjoying my life(and myself) so much more.. now that I look better, I feel better.

There is just some weird satisfaction in knowing that you didn't settle and that you kept pushing to make yourself even better.

Lolli1986

I can't comment on weight loss, as I haven't done any of that yet... XD

I preferred maintaining lower than maintaining higher. Frankly, there's less extra stuff to carry around, which freed up my ability to move. I also felt less hungry at higher levels of activity (i just happened to have higher fitness, too). Exercise is more fun when it's easier, and i swear it was easier to go from low to high fitness faster at a lower weight. i'm struggling more to increase my fitness now.

That being said, with a lifestyle of exercising 5+ times a week, i'd be surprised if that 30lbs stayed on you. might as well take a nice relaxed approach to where to go from here.

Well done on reaching such a happy point.