Body image and how it messes w/ your mind

[MissMillie]

I weigh half of what I used to weigh. And I'm still (according to BMI measurements) about 5 lbs. overweight.

But when I looked at myself in the mirror this weekend, I thought I looked too thin.

I have clothes that range from size 4 to size 14. (I got rid of all the ones that were size 28.) I usually wear the size 14 when I have to be outside and I need to layer clothes.

I'm trying to just like myself the way I am. I guess 5 lbs. shouldn't be such a big deal. After all, I'm pretty healthy.

It's kind of crazy, but I almost miss the "bigger" me, even though it's not where I should be.

I never had any thought that I'd look like a model. Now that I look at myself, I don't want to.

For the record, I pretty much eat what I want. I'm not starving myself. I'm not gorging myself. I don't have an eating disorder.

I just look in the mirror and don't feel happy.

It's a lousy 5 lbs. But I don't want to lose it.

[Squinch]

1. You have accomplished something that about half the country would like to do, and they can't.

And you have done more of it than they even think of doing.

I hope you learn to like your reflection.

I am in awe of you.

[raging moderate]

2. Don't worry. You sound like you are fine!

Congratulations on regaining a healthy weight! You are right that looking like a model is not necessary. You are right that five pounds should not be a big deal. Many people carry five more pounds during the winter. Just maintain your gains and bide your time. Maybe keep up the stretching exercises. And soon you will run out into the beautiful warm spring air. Maybe you will hike or bicycle or swim or plant a garden. Maybe all of those things and more. Your body can adjust itself while you just live your new, more active life. If you were already active, then more congratulations are in order, and you will find it even easier to move around now. Happy New Year to you!

[burnbaby]

3. I quit drinking

Dropped 20 pounds in two months and I am happy with the way I look. Size 10 is good for me. Definitely not model material

[AJT]

4. I look in the mirror and feel I look over weight. I gained 5 lbs over eating.

I will lose the weight, but I still won't like the way I look. I have realized that part of my body image issue is do to my age. I have gone through menopause and my body has changed(not in a good way)and I will never like looking in the mirror. I have to learn to accept my post-youth body, and that is tough. I hope you find a place where you are ok with your body.

[MissMillie]

6. I guess I question whether or not I want to lose it

I'm not really unhappy w/ my body. I guess I am, but not for weight. You lose that kind of weight and you have a lot of skin that hangs off you.

If I didn't have all this stuff hanging off of me, I could just fit in my clothes and those pounds that I shouldn't be carrying me wouldn't be there.

[haele]

7. Yup, those post-menapausal sags are pretty disheartening. I was never perky to begin with...

But good foundation garments really help when you look in the mirror after putting on your going out clothes. I have made peace with the fact I'm going to look like a sack of potatoes nekkid; if I can get away with "very curvy" dressed and out in public, I'm happy.

Haele

[Nitram]

5. Have you considered speaking to a counselor about the issue. It can be very difficult to deal

with such issues by oneself.

[kydo]

8. Wouldn't that be more your fat % then actual pounds?

Either way, 5lbs over weight is not over weight. 50lbs over weight is over weight.

You are at "your" ideal weight until you say your not. No really all those numbers are just average guidelines for people based on gender, age, and height.

If you feel best like you are then that's probably your healthy weight. Especially after losing lots of weight.

BTW, I am under weight. I want more muscle mass less fat so I am slowly putting the weight back with a trainer at the gym. I don't starve. I eat what I want when I want. No problem eating fast food either