I hope nobody takes offense at this, but...

[zakatak]

How do I stop losing weight? I mean, I know the answer, but this is the first time in 7 years that I have been in control of my weight. In October I gave up meat, dairy and fat, basically became a strict vegetarian again. I have lost a total of 35 lbs, bringing my weight down to 121 (I am 5' 5"ish ok, ok... 5' 4.75"). I think I look fine now, fitting into size 6s (down from 12s). My problem is that now people are telling me that I am getting two thin, but I want more. I want that cushion, ya know? I want the teens.

The problem is, to do it, I have to sneak it behind dh's back. And lie. Which is not a good thing. I just want to be between 115 - 119 on any given day. Is that a bad thing?

So, my question is this... How do I stop? I am afraid that as soon as I stop counting calories, watching what I eat, etc... (that "I am skinny now" feeling) that the weight will come right back on, fast. And I will be a failure.

Any ideas other than weighing every day (which I do)...

Thanks,
Karen

 

[nativetxn]

When you reach your goal just add calories, probably a little more fat to your veggies.

I would discuss this issue with my physician and see what he thinks. Perhaps you could meet with a nutritionist who could help you find an eating strategy to maintain your goal weight.

I can't wait until I have this same problem. Good for you.

 

[TigH]

Hey, Karen!

No offense taken! Hope you don't mind a few personal questions. Are you taking any multivitamins to supplement your nutrition? Are you getting enough iron and calcium and all that good stuff? What do you eat on a given day?

I don't see anything wrong with the numbers you want to weigh at all, especially given your height. However, if all the scales in the world disappeared tomorrow and you could never weigh yourself again, would you be happy with how you look now?

I am a big size 10 and I will probably only ever get to a small size 10, maybe a big size 8 if I am lucky (I just love food too much and I have to say I am big boned...ha ha!) I drive myself crazy by weighing myself. I see that there is less fat on my belly and butt and thighs and arms, but the scale refuses to budge!!! I am tempted to cut back on my daily calories to nudge things along, but I know I have to eat to lose (keep my metabolism up).

Are people worried that you may be too obsessed with losing weight or that you are going to become anorexic? I am sorry to ask such a blunt question and I don't mean any offense at all. Also, are the people who say you are too thin much larger than you? Maybe they just aren't used to seeing you with this new body?

I lost a bunch of weight after a bad breakup with an old boyfriend. I ran and ran and ran and worked out all the time and looked great. I fit into a very sexy dress and went to a party with my new boyfriend (some of the old boyfriends gang had a party that they invited me too). One girl came up to me and told me to stop losing weight. I was really shocked! I could have lost another 5-10 pounds (in my mind) but looking back from where I am now, I was pretty thin.

I think in some cases it's important to listen to the feedback from people who care about us.

Sorry for rambling on here. I don't think I answered your question really. For some reason your post sent up a red flag with me (the part about losing weight behind someone's back).

My goal weight is 145 or 140, and that will be thin for me. I can't even imagine touching 125, let alone anything in the teens (I'm 5' 8") Just be careful, ok? Too thin can be unhealthy.

Hugs and blessings, TigH. xo

 

[zakatak]

Thanks TigH.

I do take 1000 mg of Calcium (plus Mg to help absorption), 1000 mg of Vit C, and a daily chewable.

A sample day for me includes...

Break: Fruit
Lunch: Boca Burger (no roll) with Roasted Red Peppers, ketchup and mustard. Fruit
Snack: Roasted Soy nuts mixed with unsalted Dry roasted peanuts, dried cranberries and raisins, Almonds and pumpkin seeds (small green ones)... this is called Soy-Liscous.
Dinner: Vegie Chili, Lentil Soup, Pasta, etc... Normal helpings, only one.
Snack before bed: Hot Chocolate (no added sugar).

I have completely cut out soda. Limited my breads (except WW) and refined flour/sugars.

On a good day, my calorie count is usually between 800-1000 calories. That is including alot of food and I am full at bedtime.

If I had no scale, I would be thrilled with how I look. But I have to have a scale... lol... scale addiction.

I am completely comfortable eating this way for the rest of my life. I do not miss cheese or meat at all. And I make an awesome Roasted Red Pepper Hummus.

I do have anorexic/compulsive over eating tendancies, so that is why I am worried about stopping. I tend to be either one way or the other, you know what I mean? I need to find a happy medium somehow... I think as long as I continue to eat healthy, I can slowly add more olive oil and nuts... Just scared, is all. It took so much will power to get down here to where I am happy with how I look, I don't want to blow it again.

Thanks for listening...

K

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Karen,
Talking to a nutritionist may be a very good thing. I was where you are, so very worried about gaining weight back. Well over 5 years later it's still off and pretty much holding steady (there are five pounds I flex between depending on the time of the month ). Of course this was after talking with a nutritionist and realizing I was obsessing about my weight and making a decision not to own a scale. When loved ones worry about you, I believe it's time to really look at the situation. If you want to talk more about this, feel free to PM me.

 

[robinb]

I'll be blunt and not at all supportive. I'll appologize in advance. Sorry.

You say:
(1) You're 5'5" and 120 lbs.
(2) You say that's not "thin" enough, evough though it's at the bottom of the "normal" BMI for your height.
(3) Your friends say you are too thin.
(4) You're sneaking behind your husband's back to diet.
(5) You're only eating 800-1000 calories per day.

You've done a great job at losing a lot of weight (35 pounds) in very little time (4 months), but now it's time to slow down! You need to fuel your body! Listen to your friends and husband. Eat more! Your body will thank you.

 

[disneychrista]

You are not eating enough. 800 - 1000 calories a day is not healthy. Your body needs fuel to operator. If you continue to eat under a minimum of 1200 calories a day your body will go into starvation mode (if it hasn't already).

You say you like the way you look but you don't like the scale. Then throw the scale away. Your physical wieght does not take into account many factors that IMO are more important then then # of the scale. How do you feel, how do you look. What is your body fat, how much muscle do you have. etc etc.

IMO, it is time to stop worry about losing and to start thinking long term.