BMI and fat%

How do you know your body fat is over 30%? My BMI states I am overwight but a Dexascan determined I'm at 18% body fat. I would you caution in determining body fat without a water test or Dexascan.

Cardio, cardio, cardio. Eating low fat...lean meats and fresh veggies. Drink tons of water at least 80 oz a day.

Water is very important...I cannot stress that enough. I don't add anything to my water. I drink with a straw it helps. I do not count coffee, tea, or anything else as water.

I brought my body fat from 25% to 19% since just before summer. It works!

First of all...throw BMI out the window. It's not an accurate measure especially for people who are into fitness. I would get an actual test done for BF%. I want to do it but haven't had time. A doctor's office may be a good place but I know many bigger colleges have the equipment to do these tests and are much more accurate.

IMHO, time is your friend. Be consistent in your workouts, make them intense.

For me, over the last 20 years, I have put on pounds. If it takes a year or so to get to my 'ideal' weight is that really so bad? Better to be moving down then up.

Looks like you are doing fine according to your ticker. I concur with the BMI comments. Its great for a baseline, but at the end of the day its not 'one size (BMI) fits all'. A better measure is to watch how your clothes fit. Every month do the pants get a little more room in them? Thats the part that counts.

I third this - I weighed 102 pounds and was 22% body fat. I weigh 110 now and am at 18% body fat. I also eat more now than ever. I attribute it completely to lifting heavy weights and doing Crossfit (high intensity functional weight training and cardio).

Thanks for all the advice!!
I am getting a new program at the gym this week- and will ask for some weight training to be thrown in. I am really pathetic when it comes to weights- can't even do a single push up! I am a little scared of weights to be honest- feel a little intimidated by all those beefy guys!

My mom used to tell me "if you only knew how much people DIDN'T care and DONT watch you, you would have more self confidence"

I always repeat this when ever I feel like people are watching me... no worries.. most of those guys are too busy gocking at thier own big muscles that they wont even notice you. Unless of course you wear booty shorts and a sports bra and go flaunt yourself in front of them. lol

I agree with shannontrevino. Water is extremely important and you can acutally burn a few more calories drinking ice water than water at room temperature. As a registered dietitian, we recommend drinking at least a liter of water for every 1000cal you take in. For example, if you eat 1800 calories per day, you should drink at least 1.8 Liters of water per day. There are 33.8oz or 34oz per liter. Meaning, if you eat 1800 calories per day, you should take in at least 1.8 liters or 75oz of water per day (8oz=1cup). This doesn't really take exercising into account or the water that you get from foods and other beverages. Most women need between 2.5 and 3 liters of total water per day, which includes the water you get from foods and other beverages. Then add more to replace water lost during extreme heat and/or exercise. Water can actually help curb your appetite, drinking more than the daily minimum can be very beneficial. Hope that helps a little!

Thanks for the topic. Very interesting.o

Thanks for all the advice!!
I am getting a new program at the gym this week- and will ask for some weight training to be thrown in. I am really pathetic when it comes to weights- can't even do a single push up! I am a little scared of weights to be honest- feel a little intimidated by all those beefy guys!

You are not alone. Not everyone can do push-ups when they started, including me. Now I can. There is always a starting point. Don't be afraid of weights, they are actually can be fun. Weight training days are my favorite.

Here is something for you to read:
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/myth-of-women-lifting-heavy.htm

Enjoy.