Quote:
Originally Posted by GoalAug2010
I'm getting pretty close to goal and lots of thoughts are racing through my head about it. So i'm listing out the couple items i'm struggling most with and would like some advice or feedback!
1) What goal is the right goal? I started with the goal weight of 162 (today i saw 161 on my scale!) and about a month ago, I dropped my goal to 150. So now i'm about 15 lbs from my goal on the MRC scale and I can't help but question is that really all I have left? I want a flatish stomach and it seems that still has a ways to go. I look at my body and try to count where the 15 lbs are stashed and I'm afraid that when I get to 150, i'll want to go a few more or something. I've hyped up in my head what the end will be like. I'm not buying my new wardrobe until the VERY end and I want to get to a final weight and call it done. I don't want to keep chasing after a few lbs and I desperately want to be able to eat like a normal person again (like starches at lunch . (Note, I've never been 'skinny' as an adult, so i don't have a reference to base it on)
Also, i'm 5'5" and have 31 lbs of muscle (which they say is a lot).
2) Getting loose with the rules. After being on plan for almost 7 months, i've learned a lot about what my body responds too. In each month, I have 2 great weight loss weeks and the other two are so-so. Which means, when i'm going to play a bit loose with the rules, I only do it in the two 'so-so' weeks because nothing I do in those weeks makes me loose better. And now that i'm getting closer to goal, I'm afraid about straying a little too much instead of just finishing! The restrictive eating is wearing on me. I'm tired of having to overthink my meals sooo much and planning where we go when we have to go out. I just want to be back to eating a salad for lunch and not having to stress about 'did it have enough cucumbers' or 'but i had some cheese on monday!'. Any advice for how to keep focused when you know the end is soo near? This week I didn't do so hot. I think i was testing the limits a bit and still lost, but i'm angry with myself for acting out.
3) Getting toned. I've started back to heavier workouts including the Bar Method classes in town, but working out slows my weight loss down. I want to get toned but i also want to finish this diet. Does anyone recommend waiting until the diets over and focusing on one thing at a time? or doing it together?
4) When to buy clothes. I've been saying all along that I wasn't buying new good final wardrobe stuff until the very very end, but i'm limping along on a just a couple items. I'm not sure how much my body is still going to change in the next 15 lbs. Anyone know? In my last weight/measurements, I had lost 9 lbs but 18 inches. My body changed A LOT in the last 10 lbs, should I expect that to keep up til the end? I don't want to invest in new clothes until I know they're getting tried on with the final body.
Thanks for your advice everyone! Pretty exciting journey we're all on.
I keep waiting for others to respond as I am very interested in any advice/comments you receive. Maybe my response will intrigue others to put their 2 cents in.
1. I feel the 'right' goal is truly a personal decision taking into account the healthy range that the center gives you. I was told that the proper weight for me is between 130-152 pounds. I, too, have changed my goal weight from 155 down to 148 and now (finally) to 142. No real science for me, but I did take the BMI calculator into my decision making.
* Underweight = <18.5
* Normal weight = 18.5–24.9
* Overweight = 25–29.9
* Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater
At my goal weight of 142 my BMI should be right around 23.6 which is still toward the higher end of 'normal weight', but one that I would be pleased with. I honestly can't remember the last time I weighed 142 and I personally don't want to see the 150's anymore so that gives me a little bit of wiggle room.
About a month ago I was super obsessed with the 'number' and wasn't at all sure I would ever get there. I have changed my perspective a bit and am concentrating more on how I feel and my body image. My body is far from perfect, but it is looking much better in a pair of jeans.
I had the feeling I was chasing after a 'few more pounds' as well (well put, btw), but I also didn't want to settle for a weight at the very top of my range and decided to push through a bit more. I figured I had come this far so why not see if I could go a bit further. I didn't get the feeling that I had dreamed of when I first reached 155..... I knew that wasn't the right weight for me.
2. Knowing what your body responds to is going to be so key when you reach stabilization and maintenance. I think that is probably one of the most important lessons to learn. Maybe now you should give yourself the gift of being strict with the plan and not making
any off program choices. If you choose to be spot on there will be no variables in what degrees of straying will still bring losing results. You will have the luxury of knowing that you did everything you could and simply be happy with the results. Hey, you've come this far you certainly deserve to see it through! Don't be angry with yourself.... take a deep breath and jump right back in. You can do it!!
3. Not sure what advice to give you here. For me.. I am working out, but moderately so. I will focus more on that when I reach my goal weight. The end is near for me and I don't want to take the chance of any thing slowing it down any more. (my body alone seems to take is sweet ole time!) ...that's just me, though.
4. Just last week I decided to spend $50 on new clothes for myself. That was one of the best decisions I made. Not only did I really enjoy trying on all these clothes that I never could have fit in before, but it showed me how far I had come and I knew I could finish what I started. It was truly a motivator. With all the back-to-school sales I actually got to get a few things. I easily would have spent that if hubby and I went out for dinner and drinks so I could totally justify the spending. I honestly don't care if those items are too big in a few weeks.... all of the clothes in my closet made me look 'dumpy' because they didn't fit right anymore. ...being loose just wasn't flattering. I say treat yourself to a few new items that fit you now!
I commend you for doing this well. It truly is an amazing journey!