How to do this? 26yo 5'5" 140 working for 120
thom2369
Posts: 271 Member
Hello ladies of this group,
Yes it is January 1st but that is not the reason that I decided to lose weight. I am on a long journey of trying to find a body weight I am comfortable with. I weight about 140 now and feel just as big as I was when I was close to 170 about three years ago. All through high school and college I would sit around 155-165 pounds. I never counted calories and usually got some exercise but not that much in college. One time I counted calories for a few months and got down to about 143. I felt great! But I just stopped and it all came back and I was at my usual 165 again.
I am just not happy with 140. But, I haven't been trying that hard to get that number lower. I haven't lost any weight in about two months. I really want to work on getting that number lower. I am wondering about you ladies who got down to the healthy and aesthetically pleasing physiques of 115 - 130 (medium height ladies). How do you feel now at 120 compared to your higher weights? What got you to a weight you are happy with?
Anyway, if there are any people that are going to give it another new start in 2014 feel free to add me!
Yes it is January 1st but that is not the reason that I decided to lose weight. I am on a long journey of trying to find a body weight I am comfortable with. I weight about 140 now and feel just as big as I was when I was close to 170 about three years ago. All through high school and college I would sit around 155-165 pounds. I never counted calories and usually got some exercise but not that much in college. One time I counted calories for a few months and got down to about 143. I felt great! But I just stopped and it all came back and I was at my usual 165 again.
I am just not happy with 140. But, I haven't been trying that hard to get that number lower. I haven't lost any weight in about two months. I really want to work on getting that number lower. I am wondering about you ladies who got down to the healthy and aesthetically pleasing physiques of 115 - 130 (medium height ladies). How do you feel now at 120 compared to your higher weights? What got you to a weight you are happy with?
Anyway, if there are any people that are going to give it another new start in 2014 feel free to add me!
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Replies
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Hello! I am 5'4" and my starting weight was 143. I got down to 119 and felt great. Since then, I've gained back to 126 and feel the same as I did at 143. The difference for me between 126 and 120 is huge. You'll know your comfortable weight when you reach it. The way I went from 143 to 120 in 10 weeks (Mar-May 2012) was completely thanks to MFP. I had never tracked calories beforehand so I had no idea how much I should be eating. I stuck to 1200 or less with one cheat meal per week (and even then, I stayed around around 1600-1800 for the day). I jogged or did the elliptical for 30 minutes 6 days per week. Feel free to add me as a friend! I'm starting back over at 126 and have a goal to get to 115 in 6 weeks (I have a small frame, so I think 115-120 is my natural goal point). Good luck to you! It sounds like we have very similar goals!0
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I feel your pain! I've lost about 15 lbs this past year, but I still feel pretty much the same. The lowest I've ever been was about 115 in college (I'm 5'5"), and unfortunately I still felt the same then too, from what I can remember. Of course at that time my highest weight was like 138, so maybe it's a relative thing? I'm hoping this time will be different. Maybe focusing more on building some muscle will help, especially since I doubt I'll get that low again.0
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In a way I am glad that I could stay at 140 for as long as I have so I can get used to being this size rather than the 160's. I mean for a while I felt excited at my new thinner body. But I want to keep improving and get to a lower weight where I feel comfortable. It doesn't feel like enough and I am still on the bigger side when it comes to clothing size numbers.
Wow I can't believe the difference between 120 and 126 was so dramatic for you. But the smaller you are I guess the more each pound makes a difference. I think my frame is on the small side. I tried both wrist tests and my fingers overlap a lot and my wrist measurement was just at 6 inches. I heard under 6 inches is small and over 6 inches is medium.
I have never been 130 or 120 or 115 in my adult life or even high school, middle school I think. I really want to see what it would be like to be at a more comfortable weight and keep it there!
Thanks for your replies! Let's use this amazing tool that is my fitness pal!0 -
At 5'6", I went from 135 to around 120 just by making healthier food choices and taking up running. I'm still not completely happy with my body (I still feel a little "squishy") but I'm definitely happier than I was at 135. Since I'm already at a low-ish healthy weight for my height, I decided to re-focus and try strength training this year. I started NROLFW this afternoon. I've seen people have some amazing results with lifting.
What kind of exercises do you already do? Since you're already at a healthy BMI for your height, perhaps focus on strength training and building muscle. It can really transform the way your body looks.0 -
I'm pretty much in the same boat. I was heavier about 160 and last year I lost 30 pounds so now I'm at 129. But I really wanna be 120 ish. I lost all those pounds by eating well cutting back on drinking kinda ha and lots of cardio but now since I've been doing strength training I'm starting to see a little six pack comin in and my legs are way more defined and smaller arms
good luck and anyone feel free to add me I'm new to this and could use some friends 0 -
I am struggling too I am 39 just under 5'6 150 lbs would love to be 130 or less. My goal is to commit to logging on Mfp.0
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I can so relate!!! I got down to about 125, and was eager to go lower, as I knew it just wasn't where I wanted to be. That shift was soooo hard and took soooo long!!! I finally made it down to 116, but that didn't last long. Jumped back up to about 125-126. Worked my way (digging and crawling) back down to 119 and am working to 115 for Jan 31.
It takes unbelievable dedication for those last few pounds, and to maintain! Lots of support needed for sure! Feel free to add me!0 -
Yeah it definitely gets harder the lower you get. 115 was basically impossible for me to maintain. I stayed around 125 for a while, but I was also several years younger so I don't know if I'll be able to do that again.0
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I can so relate!!! I got down to about 125, and was eager to go lower, as I knew it just wasn't where I wanted to be. That shift was soooo hard and took soooo long!!! I finally made it down to 116, but that didn't last long. Jumped back up to about 125-126. Worked my way (digging and crawling) back down to 119 and am working to 115 for Jan 31.
It takes unbelievable dedication for those last few pounds, and to maintain! Lots of support needed for sure! Feel free to add me!
Wow omg it sounds so hard! I guess I will just have to determine what weight I would be "happy enough" staying at at decide if it is worth digging and crawling to get to a lower number. For now I'll just take it 5 pounds at a time I think.
Next goal: 135!!
Oh, to mention what someone else said, yes 140 is still a "healthy" weight range but I can see on my body the extra body fat that is still here. I am going to work on managing my calories, 30 minutes cardio 30 minutes strength three times a week. Some goals I already have to work hard to achieve and maintain!0 -
I have joined this group and there seems to be some nice people on there. So if anyone from this thread wants to keep in touch in this small group of about 77 people we are going to have bi monthly weigh ins until May.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/17737-goal-spring-2014-weight-loss0 -
Awesome, I'll get in on that.
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Before my child was born I was 110 Ibs and after I was 147 Ibs. Now maybe it sounds dumb to people but it was hard to be that weight. I am down to 125, but still want to lose 5 Ibs and tone & tighten. I was doing okay but then I kind of "fell off the band wagon" and have had a hard time getting back on. I have found a free app. that I like, Nike Training Club. I am hoping it will keep me motivated. I am also looking for some friends to help encourage me and I can encourage.0
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Sent ya a friend request! Texas represent!!0
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Thanks!!0
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I like to take part in the bi-monthly weigh-ins. I have struggled all of my life. I'm 5'5" and currently at 139. I really want to get to 120-125. I got down to 130 with a trainer a few years ago, but I haven't been exercising regularly or counting calories like I should. I am trying to commit to consistency in my health journey and other life goals. Love having the support of a group.0
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I'm in a similar situation - I'm the same height as you but I'm at 147, I'd like to get down into the 120's but honestly I just want to lose more fat. If I were to get to 145 pounds but have 18% body fat I'd be perfectly happy. It's so hard not relying on the scale!0
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I like to take part in the bi-monthly weigh-ins. I have struggled all of my life. I'm 5'5" and currently at 139. I really want to get to 120-125. I got down to 130 with a trainer a few years ago, but I haven't been exercising regularly or counting calories like I should. I am trying to commit to consistency in my health journey and other life goals. Love having the support of a group.
I am just like this too. 5'5" and 139 pounds. Except...I have never been 130 and will be excited to get there and to 125 and maybe 120! Let's get down to our thin, strong and healthy goal weights!0 -
Hi, I'm 5'2" and 130lbs which just feels massive to me, I'm 27 and it's so much harder for me to lose weight. (I'm trying for 110) But I won't give up. I hope you reach your goals!0
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Stop focussing on the number on the scale and take body measurements. Start lifting heavy weights to improve your appearance.0
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I'm with all of you. I'm 5'6" and my lowest weight was 119, but this was with barely eating and just being overall unhealthy. I'm 146 now and feel horrible, even though I know it's technically a "healthy weight." I hope to lose 15 lbs by March (trip to Vegas!) and 25 lbs by September (trip to Mexico! It's a busy year
). I've done this countless times but obviously have given up and keep gaining weight. Hoping it sticks this time for both body image AND health! I'm definitely looking for people with similar goals to help motivate me and keep me accountable 0 -
I absolutely agree that a few pounds can make a big difference on a small frame, but I'd suggest tracking other things beside your weight. Track your weight, by all means, but take measurements too. What's your goal? To weigh less, or have a smaller waist? Track the thing you're trying to achieve.
As a previous poster suggested, strength training, whether that's weights based or bodyweight training will help. You probably don't have much fat to lose, so if you build muscle, you might you look and feel tighter, trimmer and slimmer.
Good luck!0 -
I absolutely agree that a few pounds can make a big difference on a small frame, but I'd suggest tracking other things beside your weight. Track your weight, by all means, but take measurements too. What's your goal? To weigh less, or have a smaller waist? Track the thing you're trying to achieve.
As a previous poster suggested, strength training, whether that's weights based or bodyweight training will help. You probably don't have much fat to lose, so if you build muscle, you might you look and feel tighter, trimmer and slimmer.
Good luck!
Yes I do need to work on focusing on other measurements too and work on my body composition. Just by looking at my body and how I feel I have a decent muscle mass still under a decent layer of fat. In other words I think I have potential for a nice looking body to lose some fat and keep the muscle and perhaps add some.
However, I really feel like I lack in discipline. Only I can get the motivation to get where I want to go.
Thanks everyone. keep the comments coming if you feel like it!0 -
I'm a bit older than you (okay, old enough to be your mother). I'm 5' 4.5" and started out at 150 lbs. I set my goal for 130 when I began using MFP. I started walking for exercise (through the halls after school where I teach, then outside when the weather warmed up). I learned portion control and started using my digital kitchen scale and measuring cups/spoons to make certain that my "serving" wasn't really three servings. I also increased my water and fiber intake. If I really craved something, I ate it in moderation. If you deny yourself everything you enjoy, you will not succeed. I logged religiously until I reached my goal (about 6 months) then kept logging and lost another 5 lbs. I've bounced around a bit since then, usually between 124 and 128ish. I ended up in physical therapy after injuring my knee, and this actually helped me get into a better fitness routine. I bought some gym equipment and actually used it. My focus is on being healthy. I used to be pre-diabetic and still struggle with cholesterol issues (hereditary, as I could live on lettuce and still have a problem).0
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I started at 140 almost a year ago (I'm 5ft 4). I'm now 115 and staying there easily. I used 5:2 from Feb to July, then reduced the number of fast days to one per week or fortnight unless I was about to go on holiday or had just come back. I now exercise 3-4 times a week, running 5-6 miles. I really think I should do some strength training too but don't want to venture over to the testosterone-filled part of the gym!
I know what you mean about lacking discipline and motivation, that is how I reached 140 in the first place. The only times I had weighed that much before, I was pregnant! However, I wanted to reach my goal (which was originally 122), and now that I have a completely different set of clothes in my wardrobe I want to stay right where I am! I'm almost 46, by the way, and now lighter and fitter than I was in my twenties and thirties.
Good luck with your journey.0 -
. If I really craved something, I ate it in moderation. If you deny yourself everything you enjoy, you will not succeed.
I am trying to learn this. Moderation is hard for me0 -
Hi!
I'm in the same boat. I'm currently 139, highest was 174, height 5'5" and 20 years old. I would like to get down to 125 but I feel like it will be very difficult for me.
I'm trying to track my calories with MFP, stop snacking and make smart swaps.
Any other tips?0 -
Hi!
I'm in the same boat. I'm currently 139, highest was 174, height 5'5" and 20 years old. I would like to get down to 125 but I feel like it will be very difficult for me.
I'm trying to track my calories with MFP, stop snacking and make smart swaps.
Any other tips?
I'm not a good one to ask (and others may have said these things already), but my personal tips are:
1. Eating four or five times a day instead of just three (when possible), just smaller portions.
2. Portioning snacks and meals out before heading for the comfy chair or table. If I take the whole container with me, I find I eat "a lot" more and didn't even know it was happening until it's too late.
3. Personally, I schedule my intake the day before. Then I know whats possible and I can always make adjustments. It also helps me with some cravings. If I know I've scheduled it for the next day, it's easier to resist when I do not have enough calories left at the moment.
Good luck at finding what works best for you. Just remember, you "can' get to your goal!0 -
How's it going, Thom? I just realized your original post was from a year ago. I hope you're still working hard 0
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Just started a new challenge 2 weeks ago. One of them being to work out 7 days a week mostly cardio for 60 mins.. Also eating smaller healthier portions.0
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I am probably most similar to you. 36; 5'6; started at 147 lbs. I was a fitness model during my early and mid twenties; got married; got injured; moved out of the city and gained all this weight. Before a photoshoot I would typically weigh 113-114. Weigh too small/not achievable/not compatible with a healthy, well rounded full life for me now. So I do not have a weight in mind. That in mind, I'm thinking 130 is a great first goal. Once I get to 130, I can reevaluate and see if I want to lose more weight, or if I want to switch to gaining stregth. The journey is half th efun - I'm understanding that for the first time.I am struggling too I am 39 just under 5'6 150 lbs would love to be 130 or less. My goal is to commit to logging on Mfp.
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