[amyleigh]

So my original goal weight was 145, until I started losing and realized I would be perfectly happy at 150. I'm now 148, and while I am more than happy with this number, I have quite a bit of toning I want to do (and a few more love handles to lose). I'm afraid if I don't set myself a number goal that I will lose motivation because it takes so much time for me to see changes in my body. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can readjust my goal from a scale number to some measurement of how toned I am that can keep me motivated? I'm on a definate kick right now and I'm afraid to lose it. Please help! Thanks

[bargoo]

For 5'3" , 150 is still a little high. I would pick 140 which is actually at the high end of a healthy weight for you.At 150 your BMI is still a little high.

[forestroad]

I personally don't think using BMI is the best way to go if you're happy with your weight. It's a useful tool as a statistic, but becomes less useful for describing/prescribing individuals. If all your health indicators are good and your doc is happy with how you're doing, I think it's a great idea to focus on more fitness-based measures. Here are some ideas:

-Measure yourself. I heard about myshape.com on here, where you can enter about 2 dozen measurements and it helps you find clothes that will fit you. You can keep track of your muscle circumferences and get cute clothes at the same time

-Take up running and see how your pace improves. The Fat or Fit guy swears by using pace as an indicator of fitness. As a slow runner, I don't totally agree, but seeing improvements in your pace/endurance can be very telling and rewarding

-I started keeping track of my bf%. I started at 33.3% 18 months ago and am now around 22-23%. I lost a percent just in the last month, even though my weight has only gone down about 3-4lbs.

[beerab]

I agree to take measurements and every week see if there is a difference.

Good luck!

[stellarosa27]

I also don't think using the BMI is the best way to set your goal. Yes, you should be under a BMI of 30, but some studies have shown that those in the overweight BMI can be healthier than those in the "normal" BMI range.

Body fat % is a better indicator of health, so Amy, maybe try go on that and measurements?

I speak as someone far from goal, but ... I read a lot

[whip1]

total agree with going by how you feel if I lost as much weight as the BMI says I would look sick and I am also 5'3 1/2 differant body types carry weight differantly when I was at a 160lbs everyone commented on it saying I've lost enough. measurments are a great way to go. congrats on your success

[mkroyer]

Body Fat percentage is the way to go for sure!! BMI is a worthless, meaningless number...completely obsolete, in my opinion. According to "my" BMI, im BARELY at a healthy weight (at around 138-138lbs at 5'4")......im just a couple pounds away from being OVERWEIGHT. However, i am only 14% BF (which is actually very underweight, except for athletes, which i am) and wear a size 4 in pants and smalls x/small everything else..... bmi is stupid...go off of how you feel and LOOK

[Starrynight]

I agree with everyone about tracking your body fat percentage. Measurements too, especially if you are toning up - you'll lose inches faster than scale numbers. I recall looking at another poster's mini-goal pics, same height as me (and you actually), same weight.. but she was a size 9, whereas I'm inbetween 11 and 13.. So it goes to show that everyone carries their weight differently. I remember being quite happy at 143 last time I lost, and feeling as though anything more would be more for vanity and to have a little cushion room if I gained back a bit. Good luck!

[stellarosa27]

Yeah, BMI also doesn't take into account muscle mass or the fact that some of us may be a little well-endowed. That's why my "goal" is 160 - I'll see what happens when I get there, but last time I was 160, I was a tiny little thing, my chest just inflates my weight...