So how hard should it be?

[Safi]

Weight loss, I mean. How do I phrase what I'm asking right? See, I started at some unknown weight, and I'm down to 128. I dunno what I started at, but I know I see a difference. And it was easy. My main target weight is 102 (I'm real short!) and I'm wondering when it might start getting hard, if it does.

The way I've always assumed it is... the more you weigh, the easier it is to lose a pound. Is this theory correct? Or is it more of a linear depression with some possible plateaus? I'm a very visual, and mathematical person, so graphs would be the best way to explain this to me. It doesn't have to be perfect--I know everyone's different--but I want some kind of idea of if things might get harder, or they might be as easy as they are for me right now, or what.

And will I ever reach a point with dieting and exercising where I will no longer lose weight, or can I always tweak it and lose more--without doing something unhealthy? (I want to get my BMI to 19 or 20--basically what I'm asking is is it guaranteed that I can do this, without having to do something unhealthy for my body?)

 

[maleficent]

mindset plays a huge factor in things = ifyou think something will be hard -chances are it will be..

you can also set yourself up for some unreasonable expectations and specific numbers that might not be attainable for your body -in a realistic way...

BMI isn't a good indicator of a healthy weight range as it doesn't take into consideration muscle mass -or bone size, or anything other than height/weight.. there's a lot more to figure in there...

Focus on what you see in the mirror - in a real way.. how your clothes are fitting and above all - how you're feeling...

 

[gymchica]

A couple of summers ago I gained about 15 lbs and reached a weight of 133. Since January of 2007, I've lost 24 lbs and am down to 109. I am getting pretty close to where I want to be, but am not quite there yet. I don't have a set number I'd like to weigh, I'm just waiting to get to a point where I really like what I see in the mirror.

Anyway I don't really think it gets harder as long as you're motivated and know what to do. I have been eating between 1200-1500 calories a day although I do drink at least 1 night on the weekends. My calories are definitely higher the days I drink, but I've still been able to lose. I also try to eat as much protein as possible so that I can hopefully preserve my muscle mass (I LOOOOVE my muscles!!).

I do cardio 5 days a week. It usually consists of running for 30 to 45 minutes two days, interval training 2 days, and then some easier steady state on the elliptical one day. I also walk at least 3 miles a day, but usually more because of classes and work. I do a full-body resistance training routine 3 days a week.

When it does start getting difficult for me to stay motivated and continue losing weight, I've learned that taking some time off to just concentrate on MAINTAINING weight helps IMMENSELY! For instance, I went from 133 to 118 and then came back to school and didn't want to focus on losing anymore. I maintained from September to November. Then from November to the beginning of January I started trying again and went from 118 to 113. I then took another month off to maintain because life was getting in the way too much. I recently started trying to lose again and have gone from 113 to 109 and am still going strong!

So I guess in this long-winded post, all I'm trying to say is it isn't really that hard as long as you stay motivated, are consistent, and are doing the RIGHT things. Good luck!!

Oh and I also wanted to add that I'm by no means telling you that you have to do what I am doing to be successful. I was just letting you know what is working for me right now.