How do you set a target?

helyg
helyg Posts: 675 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
When I first started on MFP I based my target on having a healthy BMI. So I went from 210 lbs to 154 lbs, BMI from 34 to just under 25, dress size from a UK 20 to a UK 12, waist measurement from 40" to 30", body fat (according to the scales at the gym, which are only a rough guide) from 45% to 25%.

So now I have reached "goal". But I don't feel that I have finished, so I need to set a new goal. But how do I go about choosing one? I don't have a weight that I was when I was younger or from before children to aim for as I have been overweight since being a child. I have no idea what weight will look "right" on me.

Or should I just carry on losing until I hit a weight that feels right?

Replies

  • GLMOC
    GLMOC Posts: 6
    I hate to be an old "stick in the mud" but I would suggest talking with a Doctor or a traner. You don't just want to keep loosing for fear of becoming ill.. You don't say how tall you are and that can make a difference. I got my first target froma personal trainer at the YMCA.
  • auddii
    auddii Posts: 15,357 Member
    Why not start basing it on a bf% instead of a particular weight? Some people want to lean out, but often if you build muscle you can get that look (and be physically smaller), but you might weigh more. I'd look into body recompositioning. Basically, eat at your maintenance calories and start lifting weights. See if you like the results.

    Here's a good example:
    http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    I agree with auddii - maybe focus on lowering body fat % while keeping your lean body mass, which means grab some weights! I love the link posted - that was a huge inspiration to me too.

    I have hit goal weight, but still don't like some of the things I'm seeing, so rather than focusing on a goal weight, I'm working to drop body fat a bit more. Slow process, but it's working. I follow the info in this topic: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/937712-in-place-of-a-road-map-ver-3-0 But instead of a 20% cut from my TDEE, I'm closer to 10-15% off, and making sure I do some strength/resistance training to keep the muscle while losing the fat. And it's workin'!
  • zenchild
    zenchild Posts: 680 Member
    First I picked a goal right in the middle of the range for a healthy BMI for someone my size. Then I picked a goal in the form of a pair of jeans. When those jeans fit, I'm done. Or at least moving to maintenance.
  • psych0kitty
    psych0kitty Posts: 313
    Why not start basing it on a bf% instead of a particular weight? Some people want to lean out, but often if you build muscle you can get that look (and be physically smaller), but you might weigh more. I'd look into body recompositioning. Basically, eat at your maintenance calories and start lifting weights. See if you like the results.

    Here's a good example:
    http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/

    You so smart!

    I agree 100% with this.

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