Want to get bf 20%/ bmi 18.5:)

NiamhMcBratney
NiamhMcBratney Posts: 9 Member
in Getting Started
Hi,

I'm Niamh, I'm 22 and want to work on my body to feel happier/ more confident/ relaxed in my own skin:)). And get more into fashion haha

I'm from England/ sorta Ireland lol, live in Northern Ireland w my parents rn, studing French at oxford uni, think i might have ibs lolll. I love music and art, into britpop rn and I love Julia Fox haha

I'm 59kg, want to get to 51kg, want to get to body fat 20% and/ or bmi 18.5.

Current bmi is around 20-21:)) I'm 166cm



I've been calorie tracking more consistently for the past 3 weeks (mainly my fitnesspal), and did some random weeks too in the past few months. Been doing regular weighing for 6+ months, started measurements last week, bought calipers but not totally sure how to use:) have done some fasting, varied calorie intake accross the week. Think my maintance may be around 2k a day. Weight went up recently, increased calories. Have been taking progress pics every day for past few weeks. Trying to drink more water too:)

Prioritising diet rather than exercise:) I'm not that comfortable with feeling hungry so maybe would work on this:)

Using happy scale, renpho, lose it, noom, my fittness pal:) sometimes fasting apps.



Lmk if you wanna be diet buddies:)/ help eachother out/ if u have any advice!



Thanks!

xxx

Replies

  • Hobartlemagne
    Hobartlemagne Posts: 603 Member
    If you want to lose weight, you will need to prioritize keeping the eating under control.
    My old trainer used to say "You can't outrun your mouth".
    It takes practice to tolerate hunger. I do things like eat at a specific time instead of when I feel hungry. Your hunger feelings will trick you into overeating. It happened to me.
    For some calorie perspective, Im 50/M medium build, 5'8". I started this process weighing 196lbs in February. I've reduced calories to 1500/day and Im about 168 today. Ive had slip-ups and fell off the wagon plenty of times, but I always get right back on. You dont have to be perfect- just keep on trying.
  • springlering62
    springlering62 Posts: 8,657 Member
    Niamh, welcome to MFP.

    Can you step back a moment and listen to what you’ve written?

    You’re making an effort to become underweight, you’ve gone so far as to buy calipers, you’re using multiple apps to lose weight.

    Ask yourself, “does this sound a wee bit obsessive”?

    Instead of focusing on losing, why not focus on staying well within the healthy normal range but doing some strength training to improve what you e already got.

    You said you don’t care for exercise. If this isn’t your cup of tea, what do you enjoy doing?

    What’s driving you to do this? Is this your own desire and if so, why? or is there a third party or outside reason for doing this.

    I’m betting you’re a US size 2. Women would kill to be in your shoes. They’re comparing themselves to you. Don’t waste your energy comparing yourself to some waif.

    Sorry, I’m old enough to be your grandma and would just like to hug you and see what the heck is driving this.
  • AmunahSki
    AmunahSki Posts: 219 Member
    edited November 5
    I’m also concerned because you already have a low BMI but you’re aiming even lower?
    springlering62 wrote: »
    Instead of focusing on losing, why not focus on staying well within the healthy normal range but doing some strength training to improve what you’ve already got.

    This is great advice. Losing lean muscle mass is bad - once that’s gone it’s harder get it back - so maybe think about ‘recomposition’ rather than weight loss?

    I am mostly interested in why you think being smaller will make you a more confident person, “happier in your own skin”. At what weight/BMI is this magical transformation going to occur? Does it happen overnight, or does it creep in gradually as the weight comes off? I’m teasing you here, of course, but only because if you were my daughter I’d be concerned about your reasons for wanting to lose weight. You’re probably perfect just as you are! :heart:
  • ddsb1111
    ddsb1111 Posts: 885 Member
    edited November 5
    NiamhMcBratney wrote: »
    Hi,

    I'm Niamh, I'm 22 and want to work on my body to feel happier/ more confident/ relaxed in my own skin:)). And get more into fashion haha

    I'm from England/ sorta Ireland lol, live in Northern Ireland w my parents rn, studing French at oxford uni, think i might have ibs lolll. I love music and art, into britpop rn and I love Julia Fox haha

    I'm 59kg, want to get to 51kg, want to get to body fat 20% and/ or bmi 18.5.

    Current bmi is around 20-21:)) I'm 166cm



    I've been calorie tracking more consistently for the past 3 weeks (mainly my fitnesspal), and did some random weeks too in the past few months. Been doing regular weighing for 6+ months, started measurements last week, bought calipers but not totally sure how to use:) have done some fasting, varied calorie intake accross the week. Think my maintance may be around 2k a day. Weight went up recently, increased calories. Have been taking progress pics every day for past few weeks. Trying to drink more water too:)

    Prioritising diet rather than exercise:) I'm not that comfortable with feeling hungry so maybe would work on this:)

    Using happy scale, renpho, lose it, noom, my fittness pal:) sometimes fasting apps.



    Lmk if you wanna be diet buddies:)/ help eachother out/ if u have any advice!



    Thanks!

    xxx

    I don’t think you sound unhealthy or obsessive. You sound like someone who is 22 and just wants to dress cute 🎀. Your perspective is more specific and focused on your “idealized” version than women who have been there, done that. I remember those days and totally get it. I still prefer to stay on the leaner side myself, currently at 20 BMI at 43, and it’s doable for me. But I have a healthy relationship with food and don’t prohibit anything from my diet in anyway. It’s all about balance.

    I had to review your stats (American here), and weighing 130lbs at 5’4” is healthy, but so is 115 lbs, so I won’t tell you how to feel about your body. Ultimately it’s a matter of doing things in a healthy manner and not dipping into unsafe territory. Only you can say whether leaning out is worth the diligence, we all have different priorities and expectations. Just take it slow and don’t deprive yourself (you’ll thank me later). I’m talking 5-6 months slow if you’re wondering. Faster than that is too fast. I recommend reading the stickies and learning what a safe rate of loss is and why. I wish I found it earlier. And maybe you’ll realize you’re happiest and eat the best at 122 lbs… Listen to your body and go from there.

    And welcome!
  • capgordon76
    capgordon76 Posts: 123 Member
    Wish u well in ur journey

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