The Elusive Goal Weight

Most American women feel like they need to lose weight. Almost all of us have our issues with it.  I've mentioned that mine are mainly health related at this point and that I had been putting off starting a blog until I lost weight.

Fortunately I'm beyond beating myself up over the body image issues.  Dr. Kvetch (DH) loves me, I love me, and that's all that matters on that front.  However, I have about 20 pounds to lose.  It's not an arbitrary number and not one that will make me uber skinny.  It's the number that gets me to a BMI of 24.9.

I weighed about 15 pounds more than this for a long time after giving birth to my son.  In 2008, Dr. Kvetch and I did Weight Watchers together.  At my lowest weight during WW I was about eight pounds less than I am now.  I'm just over 5'3" (and I'm old enough that now the doc measures my height at check ups).  At this height, five pounds still makes a difference in how I look.  I had a change in one of my medications that is really making weight loss a struggle.

I'm not going to WW meetings anymore.  Other than the weigh ins, I find the meetings don't help much if one is already confident and assertive.  Right now I'm not following WW online either because I'm focusing on some specific issues with my diet. (I'm using Fitday).  All of that is for another post.  But I still follow some of the WW philosophies.

One of these philosophies is to get rid of all of your "fat" clothes when you lose weight so that you can't slide and let the weight pile back on.  I did this, first getting rid of 14s and then 12s and size larges.  At my lowest I fit in all 10s comfortably and some 8s in skirts.  I realize with vanity sizing the 10s of my college days would now probably be 6s today.

So if my clothes, especially pants, look tight, that's why.  It's supposed to be a sign to get back on track.  I carry weight most in my stomach, but you can also see it in my face.

My current weight status conflicts with one of my fashion goals of buying quality over quantity.  I'm  not going to shell out the bucks for quality until I'm at my goal weight.  I've restrained myself from the J Crew pencil skirts on sale.  No designer jeans yet.  The best bras will have to wait.  Most of my wardrobe is lower end right now.  I do still try to pick out items of decent quality and construction.  I buy on sale and on ebay, and I doubt that will ever change.  I will admit to rebuying a few pants in size 12 to get me through.  But I'm hoping to fit into my 10s comfortably this fall.

You'll see whether I make any progress.  Where are you on your weight journey?

Body Type

One reason I'm doing this blog is that I have not found many bloggers who have a body type similar to mine. You don't have to be like me to enjoy this blog (and hopefully to get something out of it), but if you are, I'd love to hear from you.

I had put off doing this blog until I lost some weight. I've decided that defeats the goal of showing a real life person. Most of us struggle with our weight, right? Future posts will probably discuss the inevitable body image and weight loss issues. Suffice it to say that at this stage of the game my weight loss (and fitness) are health focused more than anything else. I have some health issues impacted by weight and I have a five year old son who I want to see grow up. Enough said.

I am an hourglass with a large bust on a smaller ribcage. I tend to gain weight most in my stomach. I'm also short waisted. I'm 5'3" and a half but I'm big boned for my height and I have bulky muscles. Finally, I have wide feet. All of this makes it super hard to find clothes and shoes that fit.

Contrary to Charla Krupp's suggestion, I refuse to wear shape wear unless it's a special occasion. I'm sure it would look better but it would be too hot and uncomfortable, plus I just don't think it's healthy to constantly compress everything. I do wear slips, and if I can get the younger generation to do that, then I will have accomplished something!