Not overweight- But still need to slim down!!

oliviathompson00x
oliviathompson00x Posts: 2 Member
edited November 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
Hi I'm new to MFP and even though I'm not overweight (BMI is 24.6) - I would improve my health if I lost some weight. I have a high body fat % so losing approx 20lbs would really help; anyone else is the same boat? Has anyone had this problem and found a healthier way of living? if so please share,
Thanks
Olivia xxx

Replies

  • kristen6350
    kristen6350 Posts: 1,094 Member
    When I started this whole fun ride in 2011, I was a BMI of 25.4, so not much more than you. In the overweight catagory but just barely. I knew I could do better and feel better - today, after maintaining for a couple years (other than a few pounds here and there), I'm 20.8 BMI.

    I used to have a horrible diet, it's gotten much better with time. I lived fully off processed foods, hardly knew how to cook and ate out a lot. Today, I cook mostly every night, eat mostly protien and veggies/fruits, and really don't like things I used to love. I used to drink 4-5 cans of regular pop/soda a day. I now only drink 1 can of diet. I chose to not drink my calories any more...

    I've learned along the way how to do this - how to maintain and not go back. I feel it's all a process, things you learn over time. You won't and can't be perfect tomorrow because you want to be. It honestly doesn't work that way. I still slip up, even after 4 years.

    My advice to you is to pick something you do regularly that you know you can change. Like my soda habit...either reduce, go cold turkey, or switch to something less caloric. Once you have that mastered, switch to something else, portion sizes maybe. Small things can make big changes.

    Don't expect those 20lbs to just disappear. It will take hard work. Patience and determination. Use the tools that MFP provides and take advice from the "seniors" that have done it and lived through it!
  • noobletmcnugget
    noobletmcnugget Posts: 518 Member
    I'm in a similar boat. Already in a healthy BMI range but feel much happier about myself when I'm further towards the lower end of it (12 more pounds to go!)
  • Linzon
    Linzon Posts: 294 Member
    I'm at a 'healthy' BMI as well (23.5) but have quite a bit of fat I'd like to lose. Just plugging along with weighing and logging food and exercise, and going to start lifting in the new year (I know I should be doing that now...).

    In terms of a healthier lifestyle, I guess I exercise more than I used to but I still eat all of the foods I enjoy - in moderation! I've tried losing weight with MFP before, restricted my diet too much by eliminating treats and foods I perceived to be 'bad,' and was back to my old habits after a few months. Currently I'm the lowest weight I've ever been in my adult life and still eating chocolate every day - just one square instead of half a bar!
  • middlehaitch
    middlehaitch Posts: 8,488 Member
    I started at the top of my BMI with a high BF%.
    Eating at a calorie deficit, and starting both cardio and strength exercise brought me to the lower end of my BMI range within a year.
    30lb lost. BF% at a reasonable level, much fitter and healthier.
    6 years later and maintaining in a 5 lb range of my goal, still including some cardio and strength training in my weekly routine and maintaining or improving my Bf%.
    My food choices have always veered towards nutrient dense ( except cake cream & wine) rather than calorie dense, so cutting portions a little was all I needed to lose the extra pounds.

    Exercise was my challenge, I had never done any; didn't want to do any.
    I did find things I liked to do and, to keep me interested, I tend to change what I do by season, keeping doing what I like most the longest.
    Also, because I hate to waste money I would sign up for classes to ensure I would go. These can be sociable and friendly too, makes it less of a 'chore' for me to go.

    Because you have so little to lose it will be slow, and you should probably aim for 1lb a week. A food scale will help with accuracy, eating back about 50% (depending how you calculate them) of your exercises will keep your body adequately fueled.

    Cheers, h.
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  • victoria_1024
    victoria_1024 Posts: 915 Member
    My BMI is 24.5 right now. I'm aiming for losing another 8 or 9 pounds, but I am aiming to lose slowly (about a half pound per week) and focusing on fitness. I've seen a huge change in my body in just the 7 weeks even though I've only lost 5 pounds in that time.
  • Sued0nim
    Sued0nim Posts: 17,456 Member
    You all need progressive resistance training and a generally nutritious diet with an eye on protein intake

    Read this: http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2009/10/26/how-to-not-suck-at-working-out/

    Get a programme
    Books
    Strong Curves
    New Rules of Lifting for Women

    Structured online programmes
    http://stronglifts.com/5x5/
    https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/jason-blaha-ice-cream-fitness-5x5-novice-workout
    http://www.muscleandfitness.com/workouts/workout-routines/4-week-guide-starting-strength


    Why?
    wxy1lxqvbhdn.jpg

    And also Staci...
    http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/

    If you can't bring yourself to do free weights yet then do a decent bodyweight programme
    http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2009/12/09/beginner-body-weight-workout-burn-fat-build-muscle/

    But it all comes down to calorie intake for fat loss so don't forget your calorie counting
    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1080242/a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants/p1
  • oliviathompson00x
    oliviathompson00x Posts: 2 Member
    Thank you so much everyone this has really helped! Xxx
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