Morbidly Obese to Obese & Why BMI Is Weird

I was just looking through some old Christmas photos and I decided to show my success in the last 2 years. I decided I wanted to get healthy for my 40s so I started my most recent journey shortly before I was about to turn 39. I am 40 now. The funny thing about it is that I am still approaching 30 BMI, even though my body fat is in the healthy range. According to the BMI charts, I would need to lose another 30 pounds to be at the very top of my "healthy range." My body fat and waist to height ratio indicate I'm healthy NOW. So right now my goal is increased fitness, not increased weight loss.







I went from 235 to 190 in the first 6 months not tracking, just eating much cleaner with controlled portions. I tried tracking for about 4-5 months but reverted back into binge eating disorder patterns so I quit tracking all spring and summer. I am tracking again off and on. I have been exercising consistently since August 2012. I started my weight loss journey in March 2012 and lost the first 30 pounds not tracking AND not exercising AND not drinking extra water. I have been on a "diet' off an on since 2nd grade so nothing surprises me in terms of calorie counting. I've been practicing for over 30 years.

Since I started weight lifting and exercising consistently again, my body has been changing dramatically even though the scale has not. I have been roughly the same weight for the last 12 months but I've gone from a size XL in tops and 14's/12's to loose 10/11's and I can wear mediums in exercise pants, larges in tops. I've lost 3 belt holes without losing weight.

Right now I'm doing CrossFit, yoga, weights and swimming 6-12 hours per week. In the summer I will add back in hiking and running as part of the mix. Exercising has really helped me with my Binge Eating Disorder and I've only had one small binge in the last several months--the best run in my 30 years of fighting BED and bulimia (been purge free for about 10 years). Less stress=less disordered eating. I use MyFitnessPal for exercise support and to connect with other folks recovering from eating disorders.

My goals right now are to keep maintaining my recovery and stay active. I am starting Eat to Perform in January and hope to increase my proficiency in CrossFit through more effort now that I'm getting more adjusted to it. I would optimally like to lose some additional body fat percentage but honestly, I am pretty happy where I am at. I like having a boob, butt, and some softness in my tummy and thighs. I also love having muscles, so a nice balance is fine with me. Right now it's not about weight loss; it's about performance and being happy with myself.