Amy: BMI
Hi Amy,
I computed your Body Mass Index (BMI). When I have a little more time this
weekend, I can explain BMI to the list, for those who are not familiar. For
now, I will just tell you that I came up with a BMI for you of 23.01. A
range of 19 - 24.9 is considered normal, 25+ would be overweight.
That is not to suggest that you should just “quit yer bitchin” about the
weight. It is especially interesting that you said you “feel heavy”. I used
to get that all the time, before I started ER. I almost never feel that way
anymore. It did take about 4 months before I started losing weight, but I
stuck with it because I did feel better immediately.
Thank you for giving us your history again. We WERE paying attention when you
first posted it, but it’s hard at the beginning to know what will be
relevant. I don’t know that I’d say you are a “yo-yo” dieter, because your
weight has mainly stayed in a narrow range. Rather, it appears you have gone
through several phases, or lifestyle changes, as most young people would
through high school, college, going out into the world of work, etc, and I’m
guessing your body has adapted in a manner similar to that which it would
with yo-yo dieting. Since things seem to change every year or so, your body
has become very resilient about maintaining itself, no matter what goes on.
FYI, I am 5′ 1″, weight normally 126-129 (today it’s 130, uh oh), and I am a
size 4-6. I have been this weight for almost 2 years now. When I first hit
130, I was still a size 10 ( I had been pushing 150, size 12 when I started).
I don’t lose weight anymore, but as I stick with the diet and exercise, I
keep getting leaner. This month some of my size 6 pants started to hang on
me like old pajamas, even though I’ve been at my heavier weight, around 129.
OK, so I am telling you this for a few reasons. First of all, you are not
technically overweight. You would like to be leaner, and not feel “heavy”,
and you would like your clothes to fit. Your body may be stubbornly at this
weight, because it may be close to your ideal weight. By sticking with the
Blood Type diet and your running, you should be considerably leaner
eventually, but give it 3-6 months, and be scrupulous about following the
food plan. I think you said you don’t like meat enough to eat all that’s
recommended. If you take Thomas’ advice, and break it down to 4-6 small
meals per day, you will be able to take your meat in small doses. That is
what I do. I actually love meat, but it’s very filling, I can only eat a few
ounces per serving. By sticking with the food plan, you will not only get
leaner and smaller in a healthy way, but you will lose the “heavy” feeling. I
found I got really motivated when I finally lost that heavy feeling I had
since puberty. My energy level just took off after that, and I even felt more
serene emotionally, to not be walking around feeling like such a hulk.
You have reminded us in your post that you were a nutrition major, and I
think this is part of your issue. You have years of education and training,
much of which cannot be consistent with the points of view discussed here.
You have chosen to be a nutritionist as well, and I think this must be a
serious conflict for you. If this diet works, do you have to re-evaluate
everything you think you know about nutrition, and that you practice daily in
your profession? It is very hard to lose weight, get in optimum shape, etc.,
if you have a vested interest not to do so. Can you tell us if you have been
thinking about this, and if you think it is an issue for you?
Thank you for being so open about your personal stats, history and
tribulations. As everyone else has been commenting, this is a supportive and
friendly group, and there is a great deal of collective knowledge and
experience. I hope we can all help you feel more “on track” with the BTD.