How much should I weigh?

n2thenight24

I am female, 5' 5", 155 lbs. I know my "ideal" weight is between 114 and 150, but that is such a huge gap. I've only just now, in the past couple of months, gone over the 150, but even weighing that, I was certainly carrying loads of extra fat around. I'm a little overwhelmed and confused about how I need to work out, what I need my goal to be, what I should be eating, lol. I'm confused by all of this, and it feels a little overwhelming. I have created my own diet/exercise plan since starting MFP, and have lost 4-5 lbs so far. But I don't know if I'm doing it right. Sorry to write a book, and I'm not even sure what I'm asking. I just need some help, lol. I don't know what I'm doing here. I just want to look tone and fit, like I did before I had my kids!

This is me before my last baby


And this is me today



I want to go back to the first picture please!!!!!

n2thenight24

fixed

n2thenight24

Fixed

n2thenight24

bump?...

yoovie

split the difference - go for 140 and then reasses when you see what you look like at that point.

The trick to weight loss - honestly? is being brave enough to revisit your goals and adjust them once you make progress - not planning everything in advance.

life happens.

You gotta do it in stages.

:flowerforyou:

pinuplove

Change the IMG to img for the pics

n2thenight24

Thankyou!! I did something wrong on the first pic, lol. Hang on and I'll try and fix it

TXHunny84

If you're big boned or large framed..you'll be closer to the high end of the ideal weight range.... If you're small boned/small frame ( like Kristen Stewart) you'll be want to aim towards the lighter weight range. I'm almost 5'6" and 125-130 looks best on me. I am a decent size at 140 but still look chubby.

iuew

i used BMI and the met life tables to choose my goal weight.

BMI : http://nhlbisupport.com/bmi/

met life tables : http://www.halls.md/ideal-weight/met.htm

amann1976

weight is subjective... 100lbs and 40% body fat is different than 100lbs and 15% fat

lik_11

http://www.fat2fitradio.com/tools/bf/


This will tell you what your lean body mass is and how much fat you're carrying on your frame.

TeachTheGirl

Set a goal that's reasonable. For me, I chose the mid-range of what 'normal' was for my height. Once I hit that goal, I edited it again. It's not a race and you don't NEED to stick on a certain number. Just keep working until you are happy with your results.

Feel free to add me as friend for support and encouragement.

qtiekiki

split the difference - go for 140 and then reasses when you see what you look like at that point.

The trick to weight loss - honestly? is being brave enough to revisit your goals and adjust them once you make progress - not planning everything in advance.

life happens.

You gotta do it in stages.

:flowerforyou:

^This. Great advice as always, Yoovie.

Bakkasan

Actually looking at the photos is helpful before giving generic advice. But seeing as there was some issue getting them to show, I digress.

You were very thin before, I'd not shoot for that unless that is your thing. I agree with split the difference. You aren't fat per se.

MinnieInMaine

Poor thing, you sound so overwhelmed! How about going back to the beginning and using that as a starting point... Do you remember how much you weighed back then and what you were doing to get in that shape? I'm sure it may not be possible to do exactly the same with a munchkin now in your life but it'll at least give you an idea. Maybe add on 5 or 10 pounds just to be realistic (you can always lose more after you get to that 1st goal) and remember you might not be able to look exactly the same because having a baby does make changes to your body (wider hips for instance).

You can make this as simple or as complicated as you want to. I've gotten overwhelmed in the past with all the facts and opinions too. There is a great link somewhere around here about a road map that helps you figure out how to find a good calorie goal. Another way, which I'm using, is to use your BMR as your calorie goal and then add on whatever calories you earn through exercise. And just concentrate on one macro. If you're counting calories, just focus on the calories. If you decide to go low carb (like Atkins), focus just on the carbs. Keep it simple!

As far as activity goes, start just by doing whatever you have time and energy for. Walking is a great exercise and a great jumping off point. From a slow beginner's walk, you can go faster and farther and maybe start running. There are tons of other options out there - the most important thing is to find something you enjoy so that you'll stick with it.

Good luck!

n2thenight24

Thank You all so much. I am not sure what I weighed before. But I had actually already had one baby before my first picture, so that pretty much is what I know I can look like. I was that thin after my second baby as well. But I worked really hard at it, exercise more than diet though, because I wasn't big to begin with if that makes sense. I've never had to take a lot of weight off. But then I got an incarcerated hernia, and had to have emergency surgery on my abdomen, which put a stop to my training, and when that happened, weight just poured on. I never weighed as much as I do now, not even pregnant. And you're right Minnie, I am overwhelmed. Thank You for some good advice on where to start.

LeenaRuns

Actually looking at the photos is helpful before giving generic advice. But seeing as there was some issue getting them to show, I digress.

You were very thin before, I'd not shoot for that unless that is your thing. I agree with split the difference. You aren't fat per se.

I actually think you looked great before. It's doable--just eat well and work your @$$ off lifting!

SeaChele77

You should be around 125lbs (5lbs for every inch over 5' is a guideline)

Now adding strength training to your workout may cause that number to be a little higher, but your size will be smaller.

Count calories and exercise - the weight will come off.

MariaMariaM

I was 155 when I started, over 2 years ago. My weight today fluctuates between 115 -117.

It is doable but you have to do it the right way, without starving yourself and adding strenght training to your routines to speed up fat burn

LassoOfTruth

First off, I would love to look like you, at either weight. Lolz.

Second, I think that you shouldn't worry too much about the #. You can be 140 (the high end for your BMI) and still be healthier than 110 (your low end). It all depends how tone you are. Instead of dieting, maybe just try to exercise more, not cardio, but strength training and squats and crunches?

sunshine_gem

I strongly suggest you read this article. I've just read it and it's scary but makes sooo much sense. Give it a try, we need to stop focusing on a number on a scale.

http://www.niashanks.com/2012/07/stop-weighing-on-the-scale-for-weight-loss/

WandaMM1

I strongly suggest you read this article. I've just read it and it's scary but makes sooo much sense. Give it a try, we need to stop focusing on a number on a scale.

http://www.niashanks.com/2012/07/stop-weighing-on-the-scale-for-weight-loss/

I had never read this article before but I couldn't agree move. Scale based weight measurements can be misleading. When I was at my leanest, I was still "over weight" by widely accepted standards. I'm the same height as you so the same range applied. At my leanest I weight 155 but only had 19% body fat. I'm pretty strong! At a regular physical I discussed my difficulty in getting within the "healthy range" with my doctor. I was told to loose much more weight would be considered unhealthy. My doctor and my personal trainer told me to ignore those weight ranges and set goals based on measurements, clothing size, or accurate BMI readings (e.g. bio-electric feedback, immersion, etc.). This is especially true if you are physically active (i.e. exercise regularly). There is a huge difference between being "thin" and being healthy. Set your goals around being healthy!!

HypersonicFitNess

Well, I would start somewhere in the middle or a little higher than you were bb (before baby). Start there.....(that is what I did previously, then re-assessed...I actually zoomed passed my initial weight loss goal).

Also, for what you should be eating:

Whole fresh fruits & vegetables (raw some of the time) -- this should be 1/2 of each of your meals
Whole grains
Lean/Extra lean meats (if you are not vegetarian)
nuts/seeds
Low fat dairy (if you eat diary)

Exercise: 30-45 minutes per day is fine; there is no reason to go crazy; but you should include both cardio and weight training/toning into you weekly work out. You can alternate cardio with weights or combine them with a good circuit training program that includes plyometrics (known for really increasing your burn and building muscle...no you won't get bulky)

Tough Mudder has three really great boot camps, but you can make up your own or find others online or even on Fit TV

http://toughmudder.com/tough-mudder-boot-camp-training/

The Mudderling is 3 circuits with 5 minute warm up and 5 minute cool down - beginner
Maybe Mudder is 4 circuits with 5 minute warm up and 5 minute cool down - Intermediate
Tough Mudder is 5 circuits with 5 minute warm up and 5 minute cool down - Advanced

But even if the beginner is too difficult, you can start with one circuit and build your way to the 3 and there is ALWAYS a modification for an exercise you cannot do.

slenderbecky

As a mom of three I can totally relate to your body woes. It is so hard trying to make your body bounce back, and truthfully it's not possible to have the same body you remember...with stretch marks, extra skin, etc. Just aim for the best body you can have NOW. You can do it!

n2thenight24

Just wanted to update this post with my progress in less than a months time!! I'm so pleased with how well this is working!!!

Not a lot of pounds but certainly inches and shape!!