Best way to lose when you are already at a healthy weight

Another one here who suggests you strength train at a very slight or no deficit.

I'd suggest maintenance or no deficit.

My 16 year old niece weighs in at 135 at 5'1" and she's a size 2-4. Her lean mass is high from strength training and bodyweight exercises.

It was, but I've essentially had the same height/body shape since I was 14. I understand what you're saying though. That's why I'm not stuck on the number so much. I fit into size 4 jeans in fall 2011 so I'm pretty confident that I will be able to after I lose more lbs of fat

I recently found out that the infamous freshman 15 isn't always due to overeating. As you take the leap from high school to college/adulthood, your body will naturally gain about 5-10 pounds. Just look at anyone's growth chart. It's completely normal. And if you're going by a BMI calculator, those aren't all that accurate. Some people are just big boned, or just can't naturally be at a certain weight. They say to look at your growth charts to be the most accurate; though everyone wants to be at the lowest weight in the healthy range, that's not practical, since everyone is so different.

But to actually answer the question, I agree, I'd exercise and tone more. I weigh ten pounds more now than I did last year, but I think I look better, since I'm much more toned. If someone were to guess my weight, they'd probably guess that I weigh less than I really do. So it's probably best to just focus on dropping a few pounds and toning up. Also, the more muscle you have, the better your burn calories even when you're not working out, so I've heard.
Good luck!!

Yup... lift heavy at maintenance calorie, make sure you are getting enough protein.

It was, but I've essentially had the same height/body shape since I was 14. I understand what you're saying though. That's why I'm not stuck on the number so much. I fit into size 4 jeans in fall 2011 so I'm pretty confident that I will be able to after I lose more lbs of fat

I recently found out that the infamous freshman 15 isn't always due to overeating. As you take the leap from high school to college/adulthood, your body will naturally gain about 5-10 pounds. Just look at anyone's growth chart. It's completely normal. And if you're going by a BMI calculator, those aren't all that accurate. Some people are just big boned, or just can't naturally be at a certain weight. They say to look at your growth charts to be the most accurate; though everyone wants to be at the lowest weight in the healthy range, that's not practical, since everyone is so different.

But to actually answer the question, I agree, I'd exercise and tone more. I weigh ten pounds more now than I did last year, but I think I look better, since I'm much more toned. If someone were to guess my weight, they'd probably guess that I weigh less than I really do. So it's probably best to just focus on dropping a few pounds and toning up. Also, the more muscle you have, the better your burn calories even when you're not working out, so I've heard.
Good luck!!

I like this information. Thanks.

You have nearly the exact measurements as me! I want to get down to 115!

Lose the baggage in your head first. Wrap you mind around the idea that being 5'4" and 124lbs is absolutely wonderful.

If I'm unhappy about my appearance, I'm unhappy. Maybe I do just need to strength train and maybe I will be 124 lbs still and look better. That's why I posted this thread to ask for advice. Really underweight, normal weight, and overweight people can all be unhappy appearance wise for one reason or another so don't knock on other people for saying they want to like what they see I'm the mirror. No "baggage" involved

If you aren't happy with the way your body looks, and are willing to do what you have to do (in a healthy way) to get what you want, more power to you.

I'm in the same boat as you. Started at 135 (highest weight other than being pregnant) and am now at 122. I'm still not where I want to be, but have found that eating slightly under maintenance and strength training is helping me get to my goal. I don't care if I lose more weight, but it just happens that I am. I eat plenty, lift weights and do an assortment of circuit training DVDs. It's slow, but working.

Two weeks ago I started Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred video. I worked my way through Level 1 (10 days) and now I'm into Level 2. I have lost 4 pounds using the calorie counter on the MyFitnessPal app, completing the 30 Day Shred video (25 minutes per day) and working in some cardio (alternating days walking and running). I'm like you, considered to be a healthy weight but wanting to lose some pounds! I find that by staying within the recommended calorie range each day, I have been able to lose weight consistently. I like that the app accounts for calories burned during exercise and allows me to eat more if I exercise more. I never feel deprived!

Hi everyone! I was just wondering if anyone could speak from experience on this subject. I am 5'4, 20 years old, and currently 124 lbs. my highest weight was 135, so no I was never obese nor overweight, just unhappy with my appearance and very unhealthy. Right now I'm eating no processed foods, no added sugars, moderate to low carbs, and doing moderate exercise 4-5 times a week and some strength training. So my question is What's the best way for me to lose about 12 more lbs? 'In other words, I know when you are very overweight your body sheds pounds easier than when you are at a healthy weight, so what can I do to combat this?

Focus more on a fat loss rather than weight loss. That way you keep the lean mass and not lose it. Measure yourself for fat % instead of the scale unless you want to lose lean body mass.