My daughter scoffed at...

courtcassiefit · December 2016

I'm 5'5 and 179lbs... started at 225. I used to say that 125 was the best weight for me as well! The more I've lost the more I realized that 140ish is going to be perfect for me. We all have different goals and everybody is different. Just go with how you feel! x

PennWalker · December 2016

leanjogreen18 wrote: »

my 125 lb goal weight.

I'm 5'4" 50 and I have 75 lbs to still lose. She seemed to indicate that my goal weight was way too low for me. It's in the middle of the bmi chart and I haven't weighed that since I was in my early 30s. She thinks at my age I would have trouble getting down that low and suggested I set it closer to the upper bmi her recommendation was 140.

I got mad about the age comment. I see so many age putdowns and age excuses around weight. I also believe these age beliefs are part of our culture.

You will lose weight if you eat fewer calories than you burn, no matter what your age. I am over 50 and went from obese to normal and it was not that hard. If I can do it, anybody can.

Everybody has an opinion. I've found it's better not to talk about your weight loss efforts. If people ask what weight you want to be, you could say, "When I'm healthy" or "I'm following my doctor's guidelines" or "That's personal."

Your daughter is second-guessing you and taking the joy out of your sails. Ignore her and make your own decision. You could even leave your goal weight open and decide when you get there or even decide over time. Just be happy. You are doing something wonderful. Best wishes to you.

leanjogreen18 · December 2016

Thanks all.

I don't discuss my weight loss with anyone except my husband, daughter and daughter in law who are all very supportive. I honestly think she was well meaning just uninformed about the reality of CICO as she manages her weight intuitively and doesn't count calories.

I did have doubts but I've learned to come here on those occasions:). Plus I had no real reason for selecting 125 other that it being middle of bmi chart so to be honest I wasn't even sure if it was attainable but now I know it is and I will see when I get close.

amusedmonkey · December 2016

I can understand your daughter's concern. She loves you and would hate to see you frustrated or disappointed because the last few pounds are often stubborn and slow, especially with years since you would have lower calorie needs. It's not impossible, though, or even hard to achieve. Take her comment as a gesture of love, and then do your own thing aiming for any healthy number you like.

CMNVA · December 2016

No, I think 125 lbs sounds about right. I'm 52, 5'7" and just hit 140 lbs and I seem to be able to keep going. My 71 year old mother lost 40 lbs and is down in the 130s (she is also 5'7"). She eats right, goes the gym, etc. It can be done. But, I will say, at age 50, you probably should spend more time then you ever have trying to build muscle. That's what I'm trying to do next. You'll fine that age 50 and 125 lbs and age 30 at 125 lbs is quite a different look due to loss of muscle mass.

DietVanillaCoke · December 2016

I'm sure she was only saying it because she didn't want you to be upset at how hard it might be. That being said, go for it!

I think it completely depends on what you want and how you feel when you get down to each weight. I got down to 155 and i had abs at 5'3. All the weight was on my legs and chest and I did a LOAD of lifting but i decided to not lose anymore as i was happy there. My goal was 120lbs. BMI would suggest i was overweight but i didn't care because i was healthy, strong and no longer obese =D

Your goal isn't unrealistic and it's not unhealthy. Keep aiming for it and you might be happy at a higher weight, or you might be happy at 125lbs

it's all a mystery until you get there! =D Good luck, don't let her words get you down.

Sumiblue · December 2016

That goal seems totally appropriate. Age has nothing to do with it. I will be 48 in March. I got down to 114 this past Spring. Now, maintaining at 118-120 lbs-I'm 5'2".
Make your goal happen by being realistic. Don't do crash diets, set your deficit at a reasonable rate so you won't be starving and then end up binging. Do exercise you enjoy and do it consistently. Nutrition is key. Get enough protein so you don't lose muscle-you will look better when you reach goal.
Prove your daughter wrong-you can do it!

nxd10 · December 2016

I started losing weight in my 50's. I only needed to lose 40 pounds to get to my college weight (middle of health BMI but I'm quite tall and it looks very slim on me). I never thought I could. It was not hard. I have maintained 4 years. It takes persistence. It is not rocket science. You can do it. It is SO worth it. My only regret is not doing it earlier.

ActiveLulo · December 2016

Hey that's my height and weight haha!!
I agree with doing what feels good and looks right for you. I'd just keep in mind that once you get to a weight to maintain, consider changing/upping it a few pounds every like, 5-10 years past 50. My grandma was very young when she got sick and lost a lot of weight she couldn't afford to lose. On the other hand you may choose to lower it because of how your body changes or different activity levels, etc.
All these 'older' folks doing well with their fitness plans gives me hope--I've been trying on and off for years and thought if I didn't get into it before college was done, it'd never happen. Thanks for sharing your stories.

chocolate_owl · December 2016

My mom got down to the smallest she had been since high school at age 54, and she wasn't counting calories or on a consistent exercise regime. If she can do it by more or less winging it, you can DEFINITELY do it with everything you know from hanging around here

And of course, the number on the scale is pretty arbitrary. You'll get a to a point where you're happy with your body, and if that happens to be 125 lbs, cool. If not, well, you're happy with your body. So keep at it!

mbag437 · December 2016

I'm 57, 5'6" and 126 pounds. I started in March of this year at 160 pounds. My goal weight was 140. I reached that in June but with MFP and Fitbit I've lost an additional 14 pounds. I considered myself in maintenance once I hit 140 but pretty much always ate at a deficit (sometimes quite a large deficit due to a lot of exercise in the summer) I feel like I've been given the keys to the kingdom with MFP and Fitbit. I don't feel like I am on a diet but my eating habits have improved immensely. I eat three meals a day that I enjoy and still have a sweet snack at night. I used to skip breakfast and lunch before to limit my calories (before I knew about CICO) I don't think your goal is unrealistic at all OP since you have been given the keys to the kingdom as well!!!

Rocknut53 · December 2016

It is totally possible. I've been at this since early January of this year. I've gone from 180 to 130-132. I've lost weight in the past but this time I was determined to not only lose it, but to not gain it back. My initial goal was 145 and that was so easy I kept going. I'd like to see 125 (I'm 5'4" as well) and will get serious about dropping that last 7 pounds right after the holidays. I just turned 63 and have not been this light for over 35 years. I owe my success to my determination to not fail and all the advise I've received on MFP from the many knowledgeable people who are willing to help.

leanjogreen18 · December 2016

Awesome y'all thanks so much I have the bounce in my step back!!

hapa11 · December 2016

Is your daughter 17 like mine? If so, then disregard anything she says.

Rocknut53 · December 2016

Check out this success story. This woman is amazing and inspiring.
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10488151/before-and-after-same-outfit/p2

jennifer_417 · December 2016

Oh man I couldn't think of any better motivation!

That's a totally reasonable goal, and you can really do it!

b3achy · December 2016

It's a fine goal, and yes, right in the middle of your calculated ideal weight range for your height. Though I have to also agree with others on here, you may find you will want to readjust your goal as you get closer to it.

I had my original goal set at 120lbs or less, and I'm 5'3", 52 yo. However, I'm currently at 127lbs and I am already fitting into the clothes that I wanted to get back into when I started this journey. BTW, I started strength training when I was at the top end of my normal BMI (around 140lbs), and I think that has helped me be a bit leaner at a higher weight. So I'm now thinking the upper bound of my goal range will be around 125, and 120 will be the lower end (instead of the upper as I was planning). Give yourself the flexibility to adjust, if desired, and don't get overly focused on the number on the scale, like I was starting to be. Fitting into my size 4 goal dress snapped me out of the "I must reach this arbitrary number of 120lbs" mindset.

You can do it! Keep bouncing and smiling!

Lounmoun · December 2016

leanjogreen18 wrote: »

my 125 lb goal weight.

I'm 5'4" 50 and I have 75 lbs to still lose. She seemed to indicate that my goal weight was way too low for me. It's in the middle of the bmi chart and I haven't weighed that since I was in my early 30s. She thinks at my age I would have trouble getting down that low and suggested I set it closer to the upper bmi her recommendation was 140.

If it matters my daughter is 5'5 approx 120 and a marathoner and does crossfit. She doesn't count calories just watches her weight with a 5 lb range.

Is she right is 125 an unrealistic goal for my age?

ETA - she wasn't mean about it just sincerely concerned that I have my expectations up too high.

I am also 5'4", am 42 years old and my goal is 125-145 lbs. I don't know if I will get to 125. That is about 34 more pounds for me. I can try.
You can set whatever goal you want right now. It is going to take awhile to lose the weight no matter what. As you get closer you can judge for yourself if you want to stop at 140ish or not.

HappyGrape · December 2016

I think if you figure out how to live healthy and happy the actual goal may change, or not but the way of living is great focus instead of specific number.

Why don't you try to calculate your calorie maintenance at your goal weight and try to stick to it for a month. Would you be happy with that level of intake long term? You probably will loose weight too

Heading in the right direction is more important than the specific numbers at the final destination in weight loss in my opinion. If you feel good in your skin, if you are happy with your exercise, energy, how you look, how you eat, if you wake up full of energy, if you find it easy and fun to live like this - you nailed it!

HappyGrape · December 2016

also, you can only loose pound at a time. Focusing on smaller goal as the first 5 pounds and having a very long term vision in mind of what is your life like can make the journey easier

My daughter scoffed at...

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