[PreciousMissy]

What do you really feel like doing. You've done an amazing job, do what makes you happy!

[mimsyborogoves]

Well, the whole reason I decided to start losing again was to lower my maintenance range. I definitely want to finish what I've started and get solidly to 145, but I might go a little lower because I like what the 140s are showing me vs the 150s. I think the 130s might actually be too low for me based on my body type -- I'm already a 6, and I don't mind being small but I don't want to be itty-bitty, so I know I definitely don't want to go any lower than the 140s. But I'm wondering if the lower 140s might be better for me health-wise than the upper 140s. By medical standards, I'm still technically overweight, so there's that. I'm mostly thinking about optimal health here, i.e. would it be more beneficial for me to go forth and lose another 5-7lbs or does it really make a difference? I guess I'm trying to determine what the best maintenance range for me actually is.

And when I say dieting, I'm using the term as a concrete verb for the act/process of losing weight. Dieting, to me, = trying to lose weight. I know it's a lifestyle change, but to me it's just easier to say I'm dieting when I'm actively losing. Everyone generally knows what you mean when you say you're dieting, so it seems to make sense to put it that way. *shrug*

[shcirerf]

Originally Posted by JohnP

I wouldn't focus on hitting any particular number. Instead I would focus on establishing dietary and exercise habits you can sustain forever.

Being healthy and happy with yourself should be your goal, in my opinion.

I agree. I've maintained my loss for 2 years now. I really would like to lose another lousy 3 just to say, I've lost 60. However, I have not done it, mostly because, I'm happy where I am, maintaining comfortably.

I'd say, give it a rest for a bit, maintain, and evaluate in 2-3 months.

You can always change it later.

[JohnP]

Originally Posted by mimsyborogoves

I'm mostly thinking about optimal health here, i.e. would it be more beneficial for me to go forth and lose another 5-7lbs or does it really make a difference?

I'm not sure about optimal health or what that even means but in no particular order...

Stree. Read "Why Zebras don't get ulcers" or you can just take my word for it. Managing stress is crucial to your long term health.

Get enough sleep.

Regular exercise but not too much.

Eat a diet primarily comprised of a variety of whole foods.

5-7 lbs one way or the other? Doesn't seem to matter from most of what I've read. On the other hand there is a large group of people out there following the CRON diet who think they're going to outlive everyone else. I also read about a 125 year old woman who said smoking weed every day was her secret to longevity.

[shcirerf]

Originally Posted by JohnP

I'm not sure about optimal health or what that even means but in no particular order...

Stree. Read "Why Zebras don't get ulcers" or you can just take my word for it. Managing stress is crucial to your long term health.

Get enough sleep.

Regular exercise but not too much.

Eat a diet primarily comprised of a variety of whole foods.

5-7 lbs one way or the other? Doesn't seem to matter from most of what I've read. On the other hand there is a large group of people out there following the CRON diet who think they're going to outlive everyone else. I also read about a 125 year old woman who said smoking weed every day was her secret to longevity.

LOL!

Basically, it's all relative. Do and be the best you can with out becoming an OCD basket case!

[mimsyborogoves]

Maybe optimal health wasn't the best way to put that lol; the healthiest/Most Comfortable weight I can be without becoming a basket case. That's optimal health right there if you ask me. Of course, weight might not be the secret to me not being a basket case. Haven't quite figured that one out yet.