Vanity weight? Double chin?

Looking for some support and advice... Mom of 2 here (2 girls, age 5 and almost 2), still nursing the toddler. I’m 5’3 and probably 138ish, haven’t weighed in a while. I’m a size 10/L in pants (have a booty), size M in shirts.

I want to lose 10 lbs to be around 125-128, which my ‘perfect’ weight, in my mind. I know that this is ‘vanity weight’, I’m not currently unhealthy, I’m in my BMI range. BUT I have issues with how I look... like a double chin when I smile (pictures make me upset), my upper arms are larger than I would like.

So when do you say, okay, this is how I look, and try to deal with it? Or when do you suck it up and go back to a consistent deficit to try and get to where you want to be...

Replies

  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    I was at the top of a healthy BMI before I lost any weight... so technically all my weight loss has been vanity pounds.

    I didn't like how I looked then so I lost weight.

    If you want to lose 10lbs, do it.
  • 88olds
    88olds Posts: 4,531 Member
    edited December 2017
    You don’t need any other justification other than it’s what you want for you.

    Try it and see what happens when you get there. But be prepared, getting there is one thing, staying is another. You might decide it’s not worth the changes. Might decide it’s the best thing you ever did. Only 1 way to find out.
  • Nikki10129
    Nikki10129 Posts: 292 Member
    I think you might find doing a recomp to be beneficial to you, maintain your weight but follow a progressive lifting program.
  • sardelsa
    sardelsa Posts: 9,812 Member
    If you want to lose more and aren't feeling super hungry and burnt out, go for it. But just keep in mind you still may not be 100% satisfied when you reach goal, and that's normal.

    For example for me, there comes a point where my stubborn fat just won't budge in relation to the rest of my body (when I am fairly lean) I get frustrated.. I'm hungry, not really progressing anymore, I'm starting to feel like I'm losing muscle... That's when I stop eating in a deficit and I personally move to a bulk to build muscle in the hope of when I cut again, there is some improvement in those areas.
  • dani_it
    dani_it Posts: 8 Member
    Currently struggling with the same problem. I had to stop tell people I’d like to loose some “vanity weight” just to feel comfortable again in my favourite clothes. I only got shocked looks, lectures about the importance of self acceptance, and so on. Currently 5.3 and 127lbs - would love to go down to 120 just because, like you, I’ve got a double chin, puffy cheeks, and I can’t wear half of my tight party/summer clothes. I know this is NOTHING compared to people struggling with real weight issues, but these are our own struggles and we should not feel guilty for saying it out loud. Add me if you want, mutual support from people in a similar situation might help.