Discussion Board

I know exactly what you all mean...I also set my goal weight as a number I "thought" not only could succeed to but should be a reasonable weight for me...now I am rethinking this as you are right almost reaching the goal gives the mind a sense of relaxation..."I'm almost there"..well guess what I am not almost there I have still a ways to go...now to change my ticker....

In regard to goals for slimness, the most definitive statement I have seen here is from Jeff Novick, RD. He has cited research that showed that a BMI<21 was associated with the best cardiovascular health. I think one reason this is true is because lower fat in the diet and on the body (that is usually associated with lower BMIs) tends to lower serum lipids.

So while a BMI<21 may cause you to look too thin or more wrinkled (like me), if you are seeking the best health, it is probably not too low! I have found that it is VERY easy to maintain a BMI<20 by following the MWL program.

That sounds good that you've set a new goal, especially since you're finding the richer foods sneaking into your diet.

I've wondered how to set a goal weight, other than getting there and seeing what you can reasonably maintain. The charts and acceptable BMI give ranges but I wonder how much is individual body metabolism.

I got to 124 with diet drugs when I was a lot younger and 132 with a McDougall-type plan (Mirkin's diet, which allowed some fish and skim dairy) but couldn't break through 132. Maybe following MWL would have helped. In the end, I just got sloppy and put the weight back on. Eternal vigilance!