@chublet25 - I am relatively new to the group and only recently achieved my goal weight; so, I’ll do my best to answer your question, with the caveat that others will likely have better insights and recommendations for you. One group that I’d suggest you check in with is the GOAL ZONE group of F2F members who have been maintaining their goal weight for more time than I have.

Online Calculator for Gauging Ideal Weight
Currently, I weigh just under 125 pounds and I consider that about my ideal weight. The BMI calculator says that 145 is the highest weight for a ‘normal’ BMI at my height — about 5 feet, 4 inches. I started at 168 pounds and my most rewarding milestone was getting to 145 pounds, which helped me feel as though I was getting healthy. Even though I’ve never had high cholesterol or high blood pressure, I worried that I might develop higher risk if I stayed overweight as I aged. I was very happy with my progress - and it was motivating - BUT, I was still not completely satisfied with how I looked. This is where I think the topic becomes trickier because we are moving from a conversation about health & weight versus weight & body image.

chublet25 wrote: »

When y'all had only 20 pounds to go, did it FEEL and LOOK as though you had only 20 pounds to go?

Personally, at 145 pounds - or 20 pounds left to reach my goal weight - I was starting to feel better because I could stand longer while cooking, for example, and I fit into some clothes that had felt tight previously - but I knew I could look better. This is a point that feels highly subjective because 125-135 was a much more natural weight for me throughout my life. We all have different cultural, physiological, and psychological influences that shape our body images and identities. I could add a lot of personal information here but the main point is that I was always active and didn’t have to worry too much about the nutrition side of the equation — until I did! Eventual, my weight crept up slowly over the years until the pandemic caused me to step back and assess my health.

chublet25 wrote: »

Were you happy with what you saw when you reached your goal weight?

At about 135 pounds, I think I was generally happy with what I saw in the mirror, except for the extra skin under my arms and the way my loose skin hung down when I was in the plank position. I felt I could live comfortably at 135 pounds, which was 10 pounds over my target. Now that I’m at my goal weight, I’m much happier with the muscle definition that is starting to show up. I have better shape to my arms, legs and abdomen. With that said, I’m always impressed by people who are confident in their body at higher weights. I feel more confident in my own skin these days - and feel great in my clothes - but I’ll always admire the women in Hawaii who rock a bikini at any weight because of the energy and life they exude.

Other People Have Noticed the Last 10 Pounds
People didn’t comment much on my weight loss when I reached the ‘normal’ BMI because I had always been somewhat fit, even when overweight. So, while I was thrilled with that particular milestone from a medical standpoint, my shape wasn’t much different … though it was smaller than before. Now, my rowing friends and former colleagues have made comments that they almost didn’t recognize me because I look much fitter. I still have some loose skin in the plank position, but I’ve heard it can take up to two years to tighten, so I’m interested to see what happens. When I was younger, my bellybutton was tight and vertical - and now there is a little flap and it’s horizontal - but nobody would know the difference but me. So, I’m happy with the overall changes I see.

Although in some ways, I think my face seems a bit older looking (especially since I spend a lot of time outdoors), it still looks better to me than the slightly bloated image on my drivers license. I’m 55 and much of the damage was done in my younger days enjoying days at the beach in Boston. I’m trying to be diligent about sunscreen - and I always wear a hat - but I still struggle to remember my moisturizer. Damn! There are so many essential habits to build!!

I feel as though I’ll always be ‘a work in progress’ but I’ve learned not to let perfect get in the way of good enough. I’m not a selfie person either, and have only taken a few in my life. One of them is my profile picture, taken in May, when I was about 150 pounds and just above the normal BMI range. I took another one when I reached my goal weight so it’s posted in the ‘friends’ section. I think we are already connected as friends but just let me know if you want me to add it here. I hope I answered your question in this long-winded response. My apologies for the length. I’ll look forward to reading other responses and wish you the best. You are doing great!! 🙌 🤩 🙌