I went to my family doctor today and he was thrilled with my weight loss. I began this journey at 45 BMI or 238 pounds (I lost a little before coming to MFP). When setting my goal I was thinking I wanted to weigh 130 (24.6 BMI) and then changed it to 115 (21.7). I picked that goal as that is where I was always happiest and it was just about mid-range for me in the healthy zone (97.9-132.3 lbs.).

I have been reading more and more that after 60 years old, we actually will extend our lives more if we are a little "overweight" rather than in the "healthy" range. (Not so under the age of 60). So I have been very confused.

My doctor said he would agree that after 60 we would be better to have some additional weight and he would have no problems if I stopped where I am at 148.5; but, as long as I was feeling healthy, I could go a little lower. I told him I had thought 115 and he said, "No way!" I suggested 130 and he said he would suggest 135-140 (these are in the "overweight" range). He said the main thing is how I feel. I told him that I feel healthy and strong -- more so than I have in years! I haven't really had any serious colds or flu and what I have had, I've fought off in a few days. My RA is in remission. My ejection fraction for my heart is all the way up to 60. I seldom have any aches, pains or maladies except for this darn constipation since I started dieting. The only thing that we are testing tomorrow is my glucose as it has been a while, but I don't anticipate any problems as I never have had any.

I see my cardiologist next week and plan to ask him the same thing! In the meantime, where do you plan to stop as far as your BMI is concerned? Have you picked a weight, a size, or assume you will just "know?"

Yea, Gayle!!!! That is a really milestone. Do something nice for yourself!

I bought a size 10P pants today and a medium top. Actually, I bought a pair of work slacks, a really cute work top, a pair of 10P straight-legged jeans (I know I said I wouldn't, but I haven't had jeans in years that haven't had an elasticized waist and these fit perfectly), and a top for either work for the jeans. Loved a couple of other things, but I can still wear the large tops and even the 12P slacks so, I will wait to buy more. I will need some summer capris and tops. Maybe I'll be an 8 by then!

Good stuff guys! Indeed, happy dance! I just put 4 pairs of pants out for charity. Happy dance here as well.

I've been reading your posts and everyone seems to have it together.Alot of good points.Marney-you and I are going through the same thing.I have a 4 lb.gain this week and haven't bothered exercising everyday.I just tell myself I don't care but I really do.Exercised today,thinking I can lose a little bit by Friday of the 4 i've gained.I'm just pathetic.At least you're losing.Good job!
Charlie,you made some very good points.I know I was eating back the calories I burned from exercise,maybe more.My Dr. told me I shouldn't get below 140 because when you get older you need that extra weight to fall back on in case you get sick.Even though I exercise, I do have a habit of sitting too much.
Gayle,you are always an inspiration.Getting into the 170's is fantastic!!.
To be truthful I wasn't sure if I was going to post on here .I've really been slacking and not proud of it.Of course,ready your posts has motivated me not to give up.Thanks ladies.
Mary

Mary, we have all been there. Do not give up. Don't put a goal to lose on yourself, but a goal just to get back on track.

I found myself really slacking off a couple weeks ago. For me getting tough on myself works best, but I never put myself down. Instead I look at what I have accomplished and re-affirm my commitment. Then I plan ahead. Everything that I can is prepared or packed ahead so that when it is time to eat I can just. Grab it. My oatmeal is in the bowl. Just need to add water. Lunch is made and packed along with planned snacks are sitting with it, and I already have a Lean cuisine dinner waiting. I have logged it all ready, so there is no room for surprises.

If I am tempted for something, I will give myself permission to have it the next day. Probably won't though. Cravings are so fleeting. I keep calories extra low, too. Bump up the deficit. And I don't skip a good work. I have had a good loss this week As a result. But that was not the goal.

Marney, reading your comments about the challenges of being retired made me think of a quote I saw recently: "Since I started wearing my fitness tracker and figuring the calories used to get to and from work, I discovered I burn 1350 calories to Hell and back!"

It is about 2400 for me!

But, you are right, I imagine it is hard to get the steps in when you are home. I have a difficult time on my days off even going to the gym!

If we want to try something as a group, what about this? If you want, just make it 2 times for 10 minutes to start. 20 minutes a day! But you must set an alarm of some kind so that you can't ignore it! I'll do it on my days off. When I get up, in mid-morning, at lunchtime, mid-afternoon, and at dinnertime and mid-evening, I will set an alarm to walk in place or dance in place for 10 minutes if I am home - for me that will be 60 minutes which is my daily exercise goal anyway. I can set my phone or my fitness tracker to remind me and I can set those alarms for as many days and specific days and times that I want, so I can't say I forgot or decide not to. If I'm not home, I'm probably moving anyway at the gym or shopping.

Come on. Two times a day for 10 minutes each (you want 10 minutes as you need to get your heart rate up a little -- just a little -- and you don't need to sweat. Fat burning heart rate for most of us starts at just mid-90's). You don't need to put in a video. If you are watching TV, stand up and watch it while walking in place. If you are reading, put the book or Kindle on the kitchen counter and walk in place while reading. If you are really ambitious, put in the headphones, take out the vacuum and dance while you vacuum for 10 minutes. Get creative. This Harvard article tells how good 20 minutes can be: hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/staying-active-full-story/

It always amazes me when I put on music and start to dance. I love it! No one is watching and my heart rate goes up nicely. Most of all time goes so fast -- only two or three songs usually and you will be done! Anybody in?

Jan2nd-165.5
Jan9th-163.5
Jan16th-161.5
Jan 23rd-160.5
Jan30th-161.0
Feb 6th -161.0
Feb13th-162.0
Feb 20th-162.0

Oh, oh! Just looked back. 140 was my goal. There is no way I can do that at this late date. (Frankly, there was no way I could do that when I chose it!) That would now be 8.5 in 5 weeks! I'm taking a pass on that and aiming for 145. 1/2 pound a week is more realistic. What was I thinking?

Nancy: I'm in Columbus, OH. Was -6 (windchill -17) when I came into work. Is lunchtime and it is up to 7 degrees. Is supposed to keep warming up until we get way into 30's tomorrow. Yet and then rain. Then freezing rain as temps drop again. What fun these last two winters have been.

Congrats to both you and Gayle on the one pound loss this week. You are both losing steadily. Way to go!

Mary and I stayed the same! Better than a gain, Mary. New week, new determination.

Congrats to all of you for your losses. Good stuff!

Nancy, I am in Ontario, Canada. So same weather as Charlie just a bit colder. -17F this morning. Add windchill, and ...... we are having trouble keeping our house (a converted cottage facing a lake - warm. 64F is the best we can do at the moment.) Going south to Florida to escape in two weeks. I am hoping the weather will co-operate to see us to the south. Texas sounds like a dream at the moment.

I got my exercise in today. Thanks, Charlie!

Resistance bands, twice weekly?????

I just want to get into the 150's before Easter.

Gayle: 5 pounds. I lost three. Had to make up for you guys carrying the torch last week!

Keep warm.

I don't like cake much either. My son and I always preferred a birthday pie! Happy birthday to your son.