I suspect I might not "look" my weight, and it's messing up my weight loss goals

TheBearCub
TheBearCub Posts: 1 Member
edited November 21 in Health and Weight Loss
Stats: I'm 5 feet 5 inches. I'm 130+. My size is 2-4 generally. I often wear small sizes. The skin-fold calipers say I'm 20% body fat (this method of measurement may be spotty, but the number has remained consistent). I look like this: http://imgur.com/a/8I7GR#ww5nMjl

A year or so ago I lost 30+ lbs by limiting what I eat. My lowest weight was 125. However, ever since I reached that weight my weight has only gone up, and it seems it does this no matter what I eat or how much I work out. Weirdly, I don't THINK there's been any drastic change to my body. I wear the same clothes without any noticeable change in how they fit.

There have been months where I exercised (running/weight lifting) very consistently, and times I haven't. There have been times where I watched my calories very closely. Neither of these things seemed to stop the number on the scale from rising.

I haven't been on a scale in months even when I go to the doctor. Frankly, scales trigger very extreme reactions in me. I become depressed and inconsolable for at least a week after. I get obsessive, and despite evidence to the contrary I think I'm fat or at least heading down the path of losing all of my progress. The last time I got on a scale I was 138, and for my own sanity I haven't gotten back on one.

Recently I've been wondering if my weight loss goals are unrealistic. I'd love to be 120 lbs., but sometimes I wonder if perhaps I'm large framed and I simply weigh more than I look. People have always acted surprised when I tell them my weight. I know I have wide hips and broad shoulders. Have my weight loss goals been unrealistic? Am I trying to force my body to be something that it quite simply isn't? Now, I know my perception could be completely wrong, but when I look at other women of my height/weight they look completely different.

HOWEVER, I also know that people sometimes lie to themselves about weight gain by saying they're just "large-boned" or that their bodies just can't be a certain weight etc. etc. But, could I be a case where this is actually true? Could it be that I put on muscle, and not as much fat as I fear?

I'd love to know what others think because this struggle has made it difficult for me to set weight loss goals.

Replies

  • themonstermash
    themonstermash Posts: 71 Member
    Your weight isnt even high at all. 135 for 5'5" is not only healthy, but quite nice looking. Nothing erong with being smaller, but maybe you should focus on body recomp and not necessarily weightloss.
  • Orphia
    Orphia Posts: 7,097 Member
    You look great.

    If you want to like what you see, try some consistent exercise. Not only does it strengthen your muscles and tone you up, it makes you feel GOOD!
  • sarahdayski
    sarahdayski Posts: 125 Member
    I think you look great, you feel better if you use some toning up exercises x
  • Sued0nim
    Sued0nim Posts: 17,456 Member
    Your weight is fine, if you have different body shape goals you need to do a body recomposition

    Build some muscle through a progressive resistance programme

    http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2009/12/09/beginner-body-weight-workout-burn-fat-build-muscle/

    Strong curves or New Rules of Lifting for Women (books)

    http://stronglifts.com/5x5/
    Ice cream fitness or starting strenths

    It will take a long time, it's about working until you get what you want

    Like this

    lk70t1ujcuikk.jpg

  • hewettlo
    hewettlo Posts: 2 Member
    Confirmed, you look really good.

    The scale isn't my friend either, so I stopped looking at it. Instead, I started measuring my heart rates with a heartrate monitor when I exercise. If I see that my over all averages are going down, I know my heart is getting healthier and I'm getting more in shape. Soon it becomes a challenge to try to push my heart rate higher and that's when I know I'm getting fit.

    Weight isn't the end all, be all of fitness. If you can do 5 burpee's in a row, or run a 5k in less than 30 minutes, then I wouldn't worry what the scale says.
  • Sued0nim
    Sued0nim Posts: 17,456 Member
    hewettlo wrote: »
    Confirmed, you look really good.

    The scale isn't my friend either, so I stopped looking at it. Instead, I started measuring my heart rates with a heartrate monitor when I exercise. If I see that my over all averages are going down, I know my heart is getting healthier and I'm getting more in shape. Soon it becomes a challenge to try to push my heart rate higher and that's when I know I'm getting fit.

    Weight isn't the end all, be all of fitness. If you can do 5 burpee's in a row, or run a 5k in less than 30 minutes, then I wouldn't worry what the scale says.

    You're watching how quickly it comes back to normal right?
  • felblossom
    felblossom Posts: 132 Member
    First of all, I think you look great!

    I'm also 5'5 and around 130 (weight's been all over the place since I went on holidays and didn't log nor exercise) but as an example my profile picture is the before and after results of the 6 week six pack workout and I'm a couple of pounds heavier in the after picture!
    I used to be all about the scale, only caring about what it said. If it showed a gain I'd feel bad and look at myself in the mirror seeing nothing but a big chubby person. If the scale showed a loss I'd look at basically the same person and see progress and feel confident. It does a lot mentally and can be less than healthy...

    Keep logging your food, and find a form of exercise you enjoy enough to stick to! I personally like workout videos that incorporate some strength moves that I can do at home without having to get my butt out to a gym, but it's all about personal preference. And patience! Results come slowly and gradually, but when you stick to it, they WILL come! :)
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