blessed0989's Journal, 14 December 2023

I had the same problem with eating very low carb. My Dr suggested I switch from low carb to a low fat diet and I’ve felt way better mentally and physically than I did on low carb. Maybe something to explore? I emphasize though! Thinking positive thoughts for you 

I think your goal of 115 is very reasonable, healthy and attainable. Personally, unless I log everything I eat and weigh it I don’t lose weight. I’m surprised how quickly calories add up. I too have struggled for years, decades actually. At one time in the mid 90’s I was as high as 159. My body has always been comfortable at around 118 but the past two years I’ve floated around 132-134 and menopause and a short trial with BHRT last winter sent me up to 139. I’ve started logging my food and counting calories this past month and I’m down lower than I’ve been in several years but I’ve got a ways to go. I’m shooting for 105 

-Do you get a lot of restaurant/takeout food? If so, you may be underestimating your calorie consumption. -Nutrition labels can be off by as much as 20%, so that could be another factor. -Inaccurate measurements can also play into it. If you’re not already using one, I would suggest getting a food scale to measure portions accurately. Be patient and consistent. You’ll get there! 😎 

get your body fat tested. If it's under 25%, you're perfect for a woman in her fertile years. It takes 22.5% body fat to have a healthy baby, so Nature keeps us about there. Forget the charts and scale. Lift weights, and you'll convert some of your "weight" to muscle. That will make you look better at the same weight. I'm 30 pounds over the top of my suggested weight range but 20% body fat. I apparently look good enough that three men hit on me the other day. And I'm post-menopausal. You're beautiful as you are. Do not let any chart, fashion magazine, or movie's "ideal" for women convince you otherwise. 

Don’t give up yet. You might be undereating. If your body enters starvation mode, it will cease burning body fat.