Good morning + afternoon!
I stayed up late last night working on a big case study for MNT and it felt SO good to have more work under my belt. It also allowed me to sleep in a little longer and put less time between my alarm clock and eating something.
Actually, the fasting was no big deal. I did get kind of hungry around 10PM last night, but it wasn’t anything major and my stomach was actually fine this morning after some water. It’s amazing how much I misinterpret hunger and thirst in the mornings.
One thing I did do this morning: weigh myself. I decided if the MET test was going to need my weight, better to do it on my own scale for consistency purposes.
My scale had about an inch of dust on it – I haven’t weighed myself in months. I stopped weighing myself about a year into maintenance when I realized how much I was stressing out over the number. When I was losing I usually saw either a maintenance or loss, but rarely did I see a gain. In maintenance I saw losses and gains and the variance was driving me nuts so I just decided to quit the scale and have never looked back. My clothes and how my body looks and feels have been great indicators as to how I’m going.
So you can imagine that I was a bit nervous when I got out the scale this morning.
Before I stepped on, I gave myself a pep talk.
- My clothes fit
- I’ve lost my summer vacation weight (which was just a matter of not traveling and eating in restaurants non-stop for a few weekends in a row and keeping up the healthy habits at home)
- In the grand scheme of life on earth, my body is perfect.
And I stepped on to see: 127 pounds.
That would be a 7-pound gain. My first reaction was a bit of panic – well I certainly don’t feel 7 pounds heavier. I started to think of explanations: I didn’t exercise yesterday, I had ice cream after dinner, I’ve been doing yoga since December and focusing a bit more on weights.
And I came full circle to realize: the number really doesn’t matter!!!!
In fact, my latest post on Breathe fits well into this topic: Mind Over Matter.
So that was that.
Before I left for my test I made a smoothie to have when it was over:
- 1 cup frozen mango
- ~1.5 cups soy milk
- 1 tbsp flax
- 1/2 packet Vega powder
The MET test was funny. I looked like an alien! My reason for getting it was simply for educational purposes. They always tell us in class if we have the opportunity to get one to do so.
The YMCA uses the New Leaf Fitness MET test. It’s pretty much as accurate as you can get, as it measures both oxygen consumption AND CO2 production (older tests just measure oxygen and you breathe through a tube with a plugged nose.) I relaxed and breathed calmly for about 15 minutes while reading a magazine and it was done.
Based on your O2 and CO2 usage and production, the computer can tell how many calories your body requires just to survive – excluding all exercise and daily activity level. I couldn’t have food in my stomach because that spikes metabolism, and I wasn’t allowed to exercise or doing anything out of the ordinary yesterday to ensure the number was as basic as possible.
So my RMR was…… ~1300!
I was actually not surprised at all. I had a BOD POD test done almost 3 years ago and it came out at 1150, and all of the Harris-Benedict equations predict me in the mid-1300s, so I thought I’d end up in the upper 1200s.
Victoria says my resting FAT + CHO usage looks good too – it should be 80/20 at rest.
Several of you asked me if this test is going to change the way I eat or anything. Well, no, it’s not. I’m still going to eat by my hunger cues. When you factor in a light lifestyle, you get about 1800 calories to maintain weight without exercise. Add in 300-500 for workouts, and you get 2100-2300 to maintain. I probably eat about 1800-1900 on a regular basis, so by virtue of the Squiggly Line Effect, I’m pretty much spot on. Had my RMR come out to 1500+ or so, I still don’t think i would have changed anything intentionally because you never know where there is a margin of error and the ONLY accurate way to really know your caloric needs is to just see if you gain or lose weight. If you gain, you’re eating too much. If you lose, too little. And I think going by your clothes is the best way to judge that 🙂
After my test I drank my smoothie (that’s a piece of plastic chicken in Victoria’s office!)
And had a cup of free coffee to prevent a caffeine headache 🙁 I am addicted again. Sniff. I hate/love you coffee! I’m sitting here now at 2PM with a pretty bad headache. Grrr. Since I don’t want to switch to decaf or give it up because I really enjoy the roasty, bold taste of coffee, I’m just going to have to be addicted again.
After my smoothie V and I went outside to walk a bit before kickboxing so I could digest.
(HA – totally posed 😉 )
Kickboxing was really fun!! I’ve been wanting to go to it for a few weeks now (can you tell my group exercise bug is catching on again! I go through phases of loving + hating it and it sure is more fun with a friend). What I loved about the class was that we only did about 50% kickboxing – jabs, uppercuts, crosses + kicks – and spent the rest of the time doing jacks, medicine ball work, and other cardio. ‘Twas fun.
Once home I made a big salad for lunch with a piece of wild salmon I had in the freezer from Costco (I bought a big one and portioned and froze it). I had thawed it out yesterday.
- Romaine + spinach + olive oil drizzle
- Zucchini
- Green pepper
- Carrot
- Gorgonzola
- Raisins
- Salmon
I used this Emeril’s Seasoning I’d gotten a while back as a sample from Foodbuzz‘s Tastemaker Program on the veggies + salmon as they cooked – like it a lot even with onion powder in the list!
With my salad I had some cantaloupe drizzled with agave and microwaved for my poor sensitive teeth.
That’s a wrap!
JavaChick says
I have resigned myself to caffeine addiction because I enjoy my morning coffee so much; I figure there are worse things I could be doing!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
LOL that’ll teach me to look at the photos before reading the text. I got to the mask one and was like, “What on earth…”
🙂
Barbara says
I so needed to read this post today. Yesterday I stepped on the scale after a 7 month weighing hiatus and my friend wrote it down. I was too chicken to look.
You are right though, the number really doesn’t matter. Stupid piece of intimidating metal!
Girl, you always inspire!
B
Shion (Shi's Eating) says
Kath, it’s so refreshing to hear that you weren’t freaked out by the number on the scale. Your healthy outlook is really admirable!
I’m also sitting at my desk with a caffeine headache… I thought green tea would do it, but no dice! ah well!
Jenn (www. j3nn.net ) says
1-) You don’t look 7 lbs heavier; probably just water and undigested food weight. If you recently started lifting heavier weights, you’re probably retaining extra water, too.
2-) Interesting metabolism results! ~1800 seems awfully low to maintain on being you are REALLY active (I’d rate you very active on Harris Benedict) but I guess with higher cal days, it averages out to be higher (natural calorie cycling). I heart calorie cycling. It works the same exact way as eating the same amount everyday.
3-) I LOVE SALMON! Salad looks DELISH! 😀
Jenn
kirsten says
That test is so interesting!
I think I will always be addicted to coffee-and I’ve decided I’m okay with that 🙂
Stephanie says
Kickboxing is my FAVORITE exercise class of all time – I really think it’s the best workout ever and the most fun! I take my classes at the YMCA in our area and they rock… plus I like that you get so much standing core work too! 🙂
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
i weighed myself this morning for the first time in a long time too. i’ve come to the conclusion that the number really doesn’t matter – i’ve been this same size at weights up to 10 – 15 pounds apart.
*Andrea* says
YOU ARE AN AMAZING WOMAN!!!!!! the number doesn’;t matter one bit… you are energetic, smart, bubbly, and GORGEOUS and your clothes fit!! great conclusion 🙂 you rock
Sarah says
Yay for kickboxing 🙂
Very cool info from your test!
kay (eating machine) says
that mask thing is crazy looking!
i think it’s interesting to know more about how your body works. a few years back i had to have a glucose tolerance test (ick!) which was not so fun, but i loved getting back the rest of my bloodwork and being able to see that overall, i’m pretty darn healthy 🙂
it’s how i felt (except for the blood sugar problems), but it was nice to see that my cholesterol was good, i had enough iron, etc…
Mandy A says
You definitely don’t look any heavier!
I haven’t done that test in a couple of years. I have had it done twice… and i think the highest it ever was for me was 1150! Eek 🙁
sonia says
I was very curious about your test. Thank you for sharing.
I have tried the Harris-Benedict equation as well as the daily calories calculator and have my calorie needs at around 1700-1800 (BMR – 1300). I do average that during the week. Do you know if the YMCAs in Dallas or any other place offer similar tests for BMR?
Beginning this year I noticed a small climb in my weight and have been paranoid as well. I know the numbers do not count. I still do fit in all my clothes and have been told that I have slimmed down. I included yoga and weights (inspired by you 🙂 ) But the numbers moving up and down do bother me. Any tips on getting rid of this number stress?
Amelia says
Kath-
You are at your “feel great weight”. Who cares what the scale says! You are tiny (especially after meeting you in real life), are very active, and eat so healthy. Plus, you have rockin’, muscular calves from all the running you do.
I too dusted off the scale today figuring that summer has officially ended with our Charlotte getaway. I had not stepped on the scale since the spring and was surprised to see that I had gained. I too am a bit perplexed considering I feel smaller now than I have ever felt my entire life. But you know, I am fine with it because for once in my life I feel like I am treating my body with respect and am happy.
Marcia says
That was an awesome post…from the scale-fear to the BMR test (cool! never did that…).
I know the scale fear, and I get on the scale weekly!
K says
First of all, LOVE the posed picture haha!
Secondly, I applaud your weight/scale mentality! A lot of women would get worked up over that but the fact that you didn’t speaks volumes about your positivity and healthy mindset! Thank you!!
Finally, that’ test is really interesting! Thanks for sharing the process with us and your results 🙂
Eve says
Your attitude is fantastic. The scale is just a number and as long as you’re healthy & fit in your clothes it doesn’t really matter.
I do RMR testing in my office on the Medgem and the results are very interesting.
brandi says
stepping on the scale after months of not is so strange, isn’t it? It’s crazy how we have to give ourselves peptalks or talk ourselves down after seeing some number that doesn’t mean anything in the grand scheme of things. I definitely think going by how your clothes are fitting is the best way – weight fluctuates every day depending on our activity, how much liquids we have, what we’re eating, etc.
i’m glad the test went well!
and that salmon salad looks great
kathleen says
I really hope to one day find the mind/body balance that you have found. I hate being a slave to the number, so I embrace your way of thinking and hope a little rubs off.
Meghann says
That’s interesting about the BMR. I am curious to take one of those tests myself. I wonder if I can find something in my area that offers it without charging an arm or leg or making me join a gym 🙂
Katherine says
You look fabulous and full of life and energy! 🙂
FoodCents says
Kath, scales mean so little, you have a good approach to health and wellness. You look great, you seem to feel great and that is what is important – not some number on a scale.
Kickboxing is great, isn’t it? 🙂
Becci says
What a great and informative post! I would love to someday have the opportunity to take that “test”! Thanks for sharing the procedure with us!
Also, thanks for the great “number on the scale doesn’t matter” blurb! You are very inspirational!
Help Meghan Run says
I will admit it…the scale still freaks me out a little bit. I’m a very rational person and know all of the things you listed above, but I suppose it takes a while for all that to become just unconscious thought. 😉
Funky Lady says
Kath! Let me just say I really appreciate this post. I am petite, a tad shorter than you (sniff sniff) and weigh about the same. 2 years ago, I had a baby and weighed 115 within two weeks of delivery, due in large part to nursing a very aggressive eater. But over the past two years, I’ve had way more than my fair share of awesome baby/toddler snacks. (Think Annie’s bunnies, WG Goldfish, yummy dried cereal like Heart to Heart). The scale has been driving me MAD…but I stop and think…my clothes fit (How, why??? I have no idea!!) and I am healthy…AND I have my beautiful kids…snacks and all!!
I have really enjoyed your blog to help give me some perspective again. I used to have really good eating habits, but baby, deaths in family, and life in general blew me way off track.
So thanks! And for what it’s worth…you look great…so if I am close to your size (height and weight) I look great too!! 🙂
Mandy
Christie @ Quit Your Diet says
Great attitude about the scale. You look fabulous and that 7 lbs just means you are stronger! I stopped weighing myself a couple of months ago and feel so much better about myself because of it.
Amanda says
Kath,
Thanks so much for your honesty in this post. As someone who is still overcoming disordered eating, I have made the decision that the scale is just something I don’t need right now. I feel like I have a pretty good grasp of where my weight falls, but would probably be a bit thrown off with a 7 lb gain. However, you are SO right about the fact that your clothes fit, you are happy, active, and healthy … the number is just not worth your time. 🙂
Amanda
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen) says
I think your metabolism test was very cool! I would love to get that done someday. Your big salad looks yummy – I love big bowls with lots of different ingredients. Today I made a salad with roasted potatoes, grilled veggies, feta, hard boiled egg, croutons, and balsamic vinaigrette. Delish!
Megan @ Megzz Wins At Life says
Kath, I feel like I just went to school!! Really great post!! Defiently one of my favorite posts ever!! I am really wondering how i would test!! I should stop weighing myself but I do weight watchers so it is hard.. That is one of the good and bad things about weight watchers.. Well thanks so much for the great post Kath!
Marisa (Trim The Fat) says
Kath, I really liked hearing about your experience with weighing yourself this morning. I’ve been trying to stay away from the scale myself due to those “make you crazy” fluctuations, especially while I am trying to transition into being an intuitive eater instead of a Weight Watcher! I am so glad to hear that you don’t care about that number b/c you know that you are healthy and perfect the way you are! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!
Tay says
How very very interesting! I kind of want to get mine done again, since I just breathed through a tube with a plugged nose. And also mind had some weird spikes to it. It also came out at about 1300 calories and I’m 5’7! Bum. And how interesting about the fat/cho burn thing!
I want to tell you great great attitude about the scale. I too stopped weighing myself into maintenance because I was getting obsessed. Not OK. When I finally weighed myself earlier this year at my home scale, I had gained 5 pounds. Then next time I was up another 5 pounds. It got me freaking out. I got mad upset. Did I need the scale to tell me I’d gained 10 pounds? No. I could tell in pictures and with my clothes. All the scale did was make me depressed. Why add that into my life?
Courtney says
As an aspiring personal trainer it was really interesting to see you take the MET test and the results you got! Thanks for showing a cool aspect of what you can discover about your body and how it works. So interesting!! Thanks for posting your “science experiment!”
Courtney
Adventures in Tri-ing
Shannon (The Daily Balance) says
so good to hear that you realize it is just a # – love the attitude I (try to!) do the same thing 😉
Sarah R says
What an interesting morning you’ve had! I would love to get one of those tests done. I’m just so curious about how my body works! And you are truly an inspiration with the scale. 🙂
Rose says
Thanks for sharing your thought process of getting on the scale and then getting off. I love your final conclusion.
Thanks for being so open about things we all think about it from time to time.
Pam (Highway to Health) says
Wow that is really interesting! What a great opportunity to have the test done.
I have also stopped weighing myself. I was obsessing. I try to focus on how I feel. It’s really liberating!
Cynthia (It All Changes) says
How good that you can let the weight slide even if its up. I would have panicked. But I’m in losing mode now so 7 pounds would have been huge.
I go through cycles with group exercise vs. running. I like the aspect of someone teaching me new stuff but sometimes I just want it to be me and my iPod. How fun to be able to enjoy group exercise as the weather starts to cool off.
Jenna says
Kath, you are a truly awesome person. Way to kick that number to the curb. I don’t weigh myself either, because the number shouldn’t be the thing that makes us happy or disgusted with ourselves. So what, we gain a few pounds. Life could be a lot worse. You are enjoying your life and the food you eat, balancing it all out with exercise, that is all that matters!
Katie Davis says
I totally agree with the weighing comments…isn’t it annoying how we let something like a scale get the better of us at times. I don’t weigh myself anymore either, because it just get’s me freaked out and I would much rather go about my day enjoying what I eat and what not without thinking every bite will make me gain a pound.
Good for you for altering your thinking right away!!!
Jaclyn says
I have the same mindset as you – I go by the fit of my clothes. I found that the scale just made me obsessive about something I don’t need to be obsessed with. You look fantastic!
Lara says
That is the same test I had (and got three very different results over a few months time) 🙂
It actually is not uncommon to gain a bit after weight loss. Eating at maintenance calories is more food than you eat when losing so naturally the scale will adjust upwards a bit (more food, more fluid from said food in body etc) My former trainer used to say if you have your heart set on a certain weight you need to lose a few below that because once you start maintenance it will naturally go up a few.
I always have said that scales can lie but pants don’t. Fit of clothes, especially pants (of the non-stretchy variety) are really the best gauge of the body. Our clothes tell us when we have gained or lost. Especially for us shorties (also 5’2) where just a few lbs change can mean a different size.
JessicaR says
Very interesting! Thanks for posting your results.
I do wonder about the “Light” activity level though… I thought that was only light activity 1-3x/week? You seem to do more!
MelissaNibbles says
I love your positive outlook. I go by how my clothes fit and my measurements. I couldn’t care less about the number on the scale.
Thanks for sharing!
Ali says
I am currently working on not freaking out over the number on the scale. For the most part I don’t, but I feel like sometimes when you are maintaining a weight loss, it is hard to not get nervous that you ill go back up. Especially if it is a fairly new loss (like it is for me). It is a struggle.
That test is interesting, if gives you some valuable info.
I am addicted to coffee too. I feel badly about it sometimes, but hey there are worse addictions out there, right? 😉
Beth @ CrossBorderCravings says
I hear you on the coffee addiction too! It’s not so much I need it as I just really, really enjoy it! Everythings okay in moderation, right?? :O)
Anne [email protected] New Weigh says
I too have to get on the scale soon as a result of a bet I’m having with my brother. We are both trying to lose 10-15 pounds and we both need a starting point. I am not looking forward to this moment at all, but your post sure puts things in perspective!!
Amalia says
Kath,
Thank you so much for this post. I’ve gained a few pounds this summer traveling and such and I’m trying really hard to get your perspective on the number on the scale! This helps a lot.
Biz says
You look amazing, no matter what the number on the scale!
If I didn’t have diabetes, I would like to eat like you do, but I need to know exactly how many carbs I am eating in order to give myself enough insulin.
Holly says
oh man…i got on the scale too and did the same thing. my numbers were fine, but i think i am just better off going by how my clothes fit. Amen sista!
Sara says
Congrats on the good attitude! But, did you ever think the ‘gain’ could really just be muscle mass from increased strength training, as you said? Also, is there any reason that, instead of factoring in a more active lifestyle to begin with, she chose to put “light” and add in exercise calories separately? Just wondering.
Emily, homecookedem says
Kath, I love your positive attitude about the scale! You’re right. The numbers don’t matter and they certainly don’t change your inner beauty.
Jenn Eats Nutritiously Now says
That was really very interesting. I love how your openness and honesty about your weight and scores and everything. Sometime soon, I hope to be able to be that open and honest about my weight, but I’m just not really comfortable enough with it right now. Kudos to you, though!
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope says
You are 100% right that the numbers don’t truly matter on the scale. You live such a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle Kath, and THAT’S what’s important. As long as you feel healthy and are happy with your current lifestyle, there’s no need to worry. Congrats on keeping such a positive attitude! 🙂
Adriane says
Congrats on coming full circle with your weight and getting the Met test done! I had the old school one done last year for a class. It was annoying to sit there with my nose clipped shut and a tube in my mouth! Very hard to stay relaxed in that situation.
Evan Thomas says
I think you said it when you said “I certainly didn’t feel 7 pounds heavier”. If you don’t feel it, and you still feel good, that’s all that matters
Allyson says
It is so hard for me not to worry about the number. I know in my head it doesn’t matter, but when I step on that scale and it says I’ve gained a few pounds I know I watch what I eat to try to get it back down, despite how I feel.
I’m in maintenance mode now after a big weight loss, and I haven’t gotten to the point where I don’t need the scale. I weigh myself about once a week, which is a whole lot less than I have ever done! But I can’t let it go.
Leianna says
Good for you not getting caught up by the numbers! I recently have been more numbers oriented but know I need to get away from it and let my body say what it wants!
Kat (Kat's Daily Plate) says
Kath, I dont weigh myself much at all. I just gauge my weight by how I feel and look in my clothes. If you are eating well (which, clearly, you are) and working out a lot (again- clearly) then you dont need a scale to tell you if you are healthy! If your clothes fit, thats all you need to know.
I totally agree with your approach!
angieinatlanta says
Kath, WAY TO GO! I love your attitude towards the scale!
You actually inspired me to ditch that sucker on July 4th (Get it!? My own little independence day, right?)
And you’re right; your body is perfect, my body is perfect, any healthy body is perfect and beautiful!
Justy2003 says
That’s cool that you got to get your RMR tested! It’s so interesting to learn more about our bodies!
I hadn’t stepped on the scale for a while and recently did step on to see a bit of an increase in my weight. However, like you, I don’t feel or see it. I’m not letting it bother me much, but at the same time, it serves as a reminder that I may need to watch some of my treats 😉 I know my body is strong and healthy, and that’s what really matters…much more than a number.
Jessica says
Kath, I have sensitive teeth too. Try brushing with Sensodyne toothpaste. It really helps!
janetha says
loved what you said about the scale.
Luc Alford says
You look FABULOUS Kath — I, like you, have decided in the past year to LET GO of the numbers! I now view them as benchmarks (i.e., when they change significantly or rapidly, I know something’s up, or that I should make ready for TOM), but I’ve learned that my body is heavier on the scale than I thought it should be, but that that really doesn’t matter — I’m healthy, and I look great (even at a significantly heavier weight than yours!) — I’m the only one who gives a whoot what I way. It starts to seem really comical at a point, when one imagines all these attractive, healthy, privileged people stressing out about a few pounds in either direction. I am learning (slow) to embrace my strength and solidity, my endurance and my body’s ability to ward off most every cold that passes through, while carrying me to new places on every run. Thanks so much for reminding us all to stay grounded, and keep an eye on perspective, and to focus on what matters, letting go of what doesn’t. I really appreciate your outlook and following your healthy journey.
Sheila | Live Well 360° says
Great post today. I actually use my scale… often. But I think that is what keeps me sane about what I see on the read out. I realize that my body totally fluctuates in weight quite a bit, like I am talking up to 6 lbs in a week, depending on if I have alcohol and salty foods. But I am ok with that. And I basically just use it to gauge where I am at and if I start to stray toward the higher range, I know that I should reign things in a bit. I know might get shot for saying this on your blog, ha, but I feel very healthy about it!
I used to be very obsessed with my weight and body, but now my relationship with the scale has shifted. I don’t beat myself up over what I see, I just use it as an objective way to track where I am at. I actually find it pretty interesting to see how it can go up or down so quickly in a day or two, and it makes me think of how silly it was that I used to be so focused on what the scale told me that day.
I am so happy to see that you are living your best life, enjoying and not worrying about the trivial. I really feel like self-acceptance is the key to happiness.
Sheila
Caroline says
Thanks for being so honest and candid with us all. I admire your attitude towards the scale. I currently don’t own one because I don’t like what happens to me when I weigh myself consistently. I am now going totally by my clothes and how I feel. I currently feel like I could drop that “summer vacation” weight you were talking about and feel a little better but all in good time right? If everything still fits than there’s no need to stress!
Cara says
No shame in enjoying a good cup of coffee!
Their is no need to feel guilty about enjoying
the small pleasures in life…coffee rocks!
skinnyrunner says
its so interesting to read this post and learn about all this stuff but to hear it from a healthy, woman’s perspective. thanks!
skinnyrunner says
its so interesting to read this post and learn about all this stuff but to hear it from a healthy, woman’s perspective. thanks!
Jenna says
you are so right kath! your weight is just a number and it means NOTHING!!!
Jodi says
You truly are an inspiration for health and balance in all things.
Erin says
Kath, you’re right, it’s only a number. But, (and I don’t know if anyone already said this) you have been doing strength training, bike riding, yoga workouts, etc. and have probably built muscle. And, as you know, muscle weighs more than fat. So there you have it. Just keep on gauging your weight by how you feel and how your clothes fit. 🙂
Hallie (Healthy Twists) says
You have SUCH a healthy, relaxed attitude about your body image. I wonder if you have done any writing about how you got that way? I tend to let the scale/how I think I look affect my mood, attitude, etc. and I’d like to STOP that! Any tips?
M says
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the scale. I think a lot of us benefited from hearing your perspective. And it was brave of you to disclose the slight gain on the scale — I really respect your honesty.
Laura says
I’m so glad that you decided not to let the number on the scale bother you; I was going to say – of all people, you should be least bothered by what the scale says, because you’re one of the healthiest-looking people I “see” on a daily basis! 🙂 You’re a true inspiration to me, because you just look so *fit*. And I don’t just mean that in terms of muscle tone, etc, but you look healthy, lean, glowing and the epitome of what a young, strong person *should* look like. As a formerly overweight person and now thinner but recovering from an eating disorder person, to achieve a similar level of health and happiness is what I’m aiming for! It would be ridiculous if you felt that you had to diet your body back down to 120 pounds or whatever, when you look wonderful and your body is obviously thanking you for what you’re doing! (And also, it’s only 127 pounds; I think that’s about 58 kg or so, which is teeny! I’m not sure how tall you are, but even if you were only 5’2 or so, that would still be a very healthy BMI).
KatieMoo says
Woo hoo! You rock, Kath! Perfect attitude!
Lauren says
You are truly inspiring. Thank you for being so honest and for being a true example of real beauty. Your confidence in yourself is breathtaking and I know that with this post, you have just touched so many hurting girls that weighed themselves today but may not have had the same positive reaction.
Kath, I commend you!!!! Thank you for all that you do and all that you give. 🙂
Deb says
Sorry, I don’t have time to read 75 comments so forgive me if I repeat what everyone else says! 😀 a few comments:
**You rock the house in your attitude about your weight. I wish I had your titan strength!!!
**Your smoothie looks like mine do- Super thick and chunky- almost chewable!! (Have you tried putting in frozen cooked wheatberries in at the end= lends a GORGEOUS chew!!
**I also misinterpret my hunger in the mornings and that’s why I do so well just sipping a smoothie or two as my breakfast(s).
**When I was addicted to coffee, I HAD to get the coffee in by 10am. One minute later and all the caffeine in the world didn’t help- got a rager headache every time. How did my body know it’s 10am on the nose????
Thanks for your candor.
Jessica says
Kath, I am so encouraged by your POSITIVE attitude and realizing that you are So much greater than a NUMBER. You have value. We all have value. The number is merely a number. In a society that focuses so much on that perfection, it is refreshing to see you grasp the TRUTH that you are worth it no matter what! So good to read! THANKS
Kath says
THANK YOU GUYS SO, SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RE. Light Activity,
I said in the post that is BEFORE exercise. Only talking about my daily life, which is mostly sitting at a computer with intermittent jumps up to cook a meal or maybe walk across campus. Exercise adds on another 300-500ish.
sonia,
Try the locator on the MET test website I took.
Hallie,
Mostly just natural maturing. Although I do do a lot of reflection as I write posts for KERF and my other gigs.
Deb ,
Wheatberry smoothie! I am so behind the times!
Kath
Lizzy says
coffee will always be an addiction for me, and i wish it wasnt! maybe one day we can help kick eachother out of the habit! 🙂
WendyF says
Funny. I have a bodyfat (in a water tank) and a MET test tomorrow at my gym. I kinda know the body fat but am intererested in the MET since riding 150 miles a week seems to be doing nothing whatsoever 🙁
Pam says
This post makes me feel so good! I had been weighing myself pretty regularly last year and not exercising. I started exercising regularly about 8 months ago and I finally weighed myself recently and the number had gone UP! I started questioning myself and my habits and then realized that I feel so much stronger and healthier now than I did then. My clothes even fit a little looser.
Thank you for pointing out that the number does not matter!
BroccoliHut says
Have you ever been measured in a Bod Pod? I got the chance to use one last week, and gave me all sorts of stats about my body composition, etc. It didn’t tell me about my RMR though.
Beautiful salad!
Susan says
I would love to do something like that! Although, I have no clue what kind of number I would get. I’ve been basing my BMR on the Harris Benedict formula too. It’s been working for me so far, so maybe I don’t really need to know 🙂
April says
I am a weight freak myself but haven’t weighed in almost 2 months. I’m seriously afraid to. I applaud you for taking the plunge but most of all for NOT freaking out.
Kate says
That test is so interesting! I wish I could get one done 🙂
I had the exact same experience with the scale recently. A few months ago I was consciously trying to lose a few pounds, and I found it helpful to weigh myself regularly. I generally saw the same number or something slightly lower. However, once I got to a “happy place” and have had to cut back on cardio for medical reasons, I forced myself to stop weighing myself. Recently I saw a number that was 8 pounds higher than what I had been a few months ago. But, as you said, my pants still fit and I’ve been keeping up a decent exercise level, even despite summer travels and lots of weddings. So I’m trying not to let it get me down. It is SO GOOD to read this from someone like you.
[email protected] says
I really admire your attitude toward the “number.” I still struggle over not letting the number on the scale define how I feel for the day. Unfortunately my number is high and my pants are tight so there is work to do, but it helps to hear from someone with such a great attitude towards nutrition and exercise. Thanks Kath!
Joanne says
That post was SO interesting.
I think you’ve gained 7 lbs of muscle which means you’re using/burning the cals. faster…. so GOOD GOING!
I so rarely weight myself…like you, it’s just a number and it’s really how you feel in your clothes…. in your “skin” that matters. When you get that in tune with your body, you can tell if you’ve over indulged and need to cut back.
Anyway – on the MET test, did you put in “LIGHT” lifestyle? That’s not right is it? You’re so active….it doesn’t even sound like you sit still when you’re in class!
Nicole (dishin') says
Good for you for not stressing about the actual number! You look great, you’re healthy and as long as you feel good, that’s all that matters!
Kath says
Joanne,
See my response above about “light.”
And it takes a hellova lot of weight lifting to put on 7 lbs of muscle. I think it’s probably a combo of both.
Kath
Quinn says
I know how daunting the number can seem, but your outlook coming back full circle is so true! If your clothes are fitting, and you’re feeling good – it shouldn’t matter!
Cool test, though!
Stacey says
🙂 I was hooked up to that machine last semester!! And I was surprised at how hard I found it to breathe only in and out of my mouth and not my nose for that amount of time, haha.
This goes along with the fast heart beat thing I was telling you about on our last run, my teacher looked at my RMR after I was finished and was like “This can’t be right?!!” but we did it 3 times and the number came out in the same area….my dad has a high metabolism and so does my sis, but I’m not sure if that has anything to do with my heart rate <—got up to 208 on our run!! Yikes
Sorry I just left you a book, hehe enjoy your night at school!
Gena (Choosing Raw) says
Hey sweetie. I really enjoyed your honesty in this post — AND your attitude!
Irene says
Really great post. I wish more people would stop relying on their scale number for mood.