When I stepped on the scale this morning, I had to blink several times. I’m sure it has something to do with the fact that I was sick as a dog most of the weekend, but it registered a number I have not seen since… well, I can’t even remember when. A long time ago.
And it put me solidly into the “normal BMI” weight range. My BMI is now 24.8!!!!!!! I am in the category of “normal weight!”
- Underweight = <18.5
- Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
- Overweight = 25-29.9
- Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater
This has been my goal for many, many years. It has been my Weight Watchers goal every time I joined WW, and I never achieved it before. I’m actually kind of overwhelmed. So this was my mini-goal, and when I set that goal, I truly did not believe it was possible or achievable. Really.
At this point, I am just going to keep doing what I’m doing, and see what happens. I’m not “on a diet” anymore. (which I think is probably the key to all of this!) I’m just living my life.
Speaking of Weight Watchers, I did their online questionnaire for potential leaders, and am going to a recruitment meeting on Wednesday. I’m just… checkin’ it out. The questionnaire had about 200 questions like “Are you an enthusiastic person?” (yes) and “Do you care about other peoples’ success?” (yes) The only one that really stumped me was, “Do people tell you that you dress sharp?” I had to LOL at that one. Um, no….. not really. But recently, more so! Ha! My recent clothing spree went a long way in that direction but I still don’t think I’m any fashion role model. (ha ha ha)
I’m still feeling super shaky and woozy from the weekend. I do not think it is all the 5k’s fault – at all – I actually think I was truly ill, but managed to rally for the race and then crashed, big time. I was awfully sick yesterday. So I’m going to try to work from home and skip my afternoon workout. Later, ‘gators.
PS. OMG. Just realized I might not be “normal” after all — turns out that there is an ASIAN BMI SCALE that is lower than the “regular” scale. Yeah, even with a name like Foodie McBody, I’m Asian American. And the Asian American scale puts me back at… overweight.
Turns out that Asian Americans should aim for a BMI of 23, not 25. The explanation? Asian Americans are “fatter” at a lower BMI than Caucasian Americans. This translates to an increased risk of diabetes and other health problems at lower weights.
Sigh. Well, I’m still happy for the weight loss, and I’ll just keep doin’ what I’m doin’.
PPS. A friend just pointed out, I am only half Asian. So maybe that means I can take an average between the two. Yes! 24!!!!! 🙂
MORE THOUGHTS: (I just can’t stop writing this post!) I am also well aware that many women would find my “normal” weight horrifying. I see women starting OUT at WW meetings who are probably at 20 BMI and they want to be 18. That’s a little scary to me. When I mentioned on my FB page a few months ago that I needed to lose weight, one person confided in me that she was up to XXX weight (OH NOOOO!!!) which was, at the time, about 15 lbs less than I weighed. For her, it was a total nightmare that she weighed what was actually my goal weight. So, it’s different for everybody.
I’ve pretty much reached my goal. If I keep doing what I’m doing and I end up continuing to lose, then so be it. (to a certain extent) If I don’t, fine. But I’m not TRYING to lose a lot more weight. I’m just going to see what happens.
May 4, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Even though that sucks about the bmi difference between different people, its awesome that you’ve stuck through it enough to make it this far! Setting goals both small and large have always worked for me and for other people I know that have taken off the weight. Seriously, congrats on being succesful so far and good luck on the roads ahead.
May 4, 2009 at 2:43 pm
I am so impressed and happy for you! Congratulations on being “normal” – something I believe only us dieters would understand!
May 4, 2009 at 3:43 pm
CONGRATS on being NORMAL! What a silly thing, but I know how much this must mean to you.
And I am so glad we have connected so closely on Twitter. You are awesome!
May 4, 2009 at 6:06 pm
GO YOU!!! Being “normal” is something I strive for…
May 4, 2009 at 6:51 pm
Congratulations!!! I remember being so jazzed when I was finally “overweight” instead of “obese.” (Of course, being tall, my “overweight” was a number that many people would freak out to see on a scale. And even the top of my “normal” range isn’t a number that would impress people, but I will be so grateful and happy to reach it someday. Especially since I haven’t weighed it since college! ;-))
May 4, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Pubsgal, I am with you. I am still “overweight” but was overjoyed when I went from being obese to being overweight…
Anyway, Foodie, you are an inspiration on so many different levels. You can and will achieve whatever it is you set your mind to…you GO girl!
May 5, 2009 at 9:22 am
Congratulations on reaching “normal’ Foodie. I hope you’re feeling better too.
May 5, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Pubsgal and Karen, I hear you. I was right on the brink of obese when I started this journey, at 29.9. I did not want to go over that line and that was another huge motivating factor.
May 7, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Oh Awesome!! Congratulations on being in the “normal” range.
May 8, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Congrats on improving your BMI. Never heard of Asian BMI. I will be happy if I ever make it into the overweight category.
Although I have never met you in person, I bet you’d be a great WW leader. That is funny about dressing sharp. Makes sense though I guess.