Women who are 5'8"... or around there and under 160.. how did you get there?

I'm 5'8" and weigh around 160... I've lost about 15 lbs. already but have been struggling to get under 160 for several months now... if you have any advice, dieting habits, or exercise suggestions that helped you get below the 150 or 160 mark, I would love to hear them!

Thu. Aug 3, 10:37am

I'm 31 years old, 5'8" and I weigh 152. It's a struggle to stay there, believe me. I basically run 2-3 miles 5 days a week plus do aerobics 3 days a week. (I was 160 a year ago and I lost weight by getting serious about running/jogging most days of the week.) The good news is that I have learned to enjoy running because I don't get the side cramp anymore from it.

Thursday, August 3, 2006, 10:57 AM

I'm 5'9 and struggling to stay under 170. I think the problem is that I worked really hard to lose 30lbs and then got lax. I didn't realize that I was going to have to work just as hard to maintain it and even harder to keep losing. Those extra snacks here and there and 5 less minutes walking, etc... really add up at this point to no loss or slight gains:(

Thursday, August 3, 2006, 11:20 AM

There's a team for people who are 5'8" and up...come join us if you aren't already members!

Thursday, August 3, 2006, 11:22 AM

I'm 5'7" and 155 pounds. My starting weight was 178 pounds. I fairly easily got down to 168 pounds by just eating 1200-1500 calories a day, not even exercising. Then I plateaued for 5 months and finally joined a gym. I circuit-train 5-6 days a week, continuing to keep the calories around an average of 1200 calories or so. Plateaus have been much less of a problem since I found a gym I like.

Thursday, August 3, 2006, 12:07 PM

I don't know if this helps... I read something a guy wrote about his weight loss experience, He said that he noticed that his body seemed to settle into a certain weight after he lost quite a bit but he wasn't happy there so he cut his calorie intake (again) and noticed it start to drop again. He stayed at that calorie range until he again noticed his body seemed resistant to drop any more weight, then he cut his calories again and again his body responded by letting go of the weight. When he reached the weight he felt happy with he was able to maintain (within 5lbs).

I'm right at 5'7" and my sticking point has been around 150lbs. I've been able to stay above it... but not below it. I felt encouraged to read about that fellow's experience. I believe I can change my "set point" now!

BTW, he also said eating less was not fun or easy but necessary for the weight loss! I believe it! :)

Friday, August 4, 2006, 9:05 AM

Not much under

I'm 5'8, I started this at 180 and I'm now 156. Basically diet and excercise. I'm riding my elliptical machine for 30-45 minutes each day, trying to do some Pilates and really watching what I eat. I'm trying to count my calories and limit myself to 1400 per day. Also I've cut out things like white rice, white bread etc and switched to whole grain breads. I also have a major sweet tooth so cutting out candy and sugary snacks as well.

Friday, August 4, 2006, 10:52 AM

to the 9:05

Your exactly right. Basically if your body needs 1500 calories to maintain 160lbs and you start out at 170 your going to lose weight, but when you hit 160 then you'll need to cut back more to say 1400 calories if you want to lose anymore. As you lose weight you need to keep adjusting the number of calories down to maintain losing weight.

Friday, August 4, 2006, 10:55 AM

OP here - I'm really appreciating all of your helpful thoughts ladies! Please keep 'em coming. Hearing your stories is not only helpful but very motivational as well. Thank you.

Friday, August 4, 2006, 10:55 AM

I'm 5'9" and started at ~170. I am 145 now and moving towards 135. I walk 3-4 miles a day, stretch and keep my calorie consumption at 1200. I've tried having it a bit higher, but that doesn't really get me the steady progress I want. I simply consume low-calorie, low-glycemic foods that have a lot of bulk and fill me up. The means lots and lots of veggies, lean cuts of meat, low-fat dairy and very few processed carbs or grains. I've also cut out most alcohol, soda and anything that is sugary or fatty and not 'worth it'. I consume things like that in moderation and make sure they are a treat - not an entitlement.

Now that I write it down it sounds a bit restrictive, but I don't whine about the things I can't have - instead I make a point to prepare my food well so I that I enjoy the things I can have. I research new recipes and visit the farmer's markets for fresh produce and fruits at their peak. I have some beloved seasoning mixtures and light sauces that really bring out the flavor without adding more than a few calories.

Friday, August 4, 2006, 12:08 PM

12:08 poster

How long have you been eating this way? How long from 170 to 145? And...do YOU think that 135 will be a good weight?
I ask that because at 135, people who have known me very long constantly comment about it being too much weight loss/too skinny. Do you find that to be true even at 145?

Friday, August 4, 2006, 3:11 PM

135 is fine for me (and my physician conccurs) - I may be tall, but I have a small bone structure. I weighed 115 for most of my life (was very active then became sedentary and gained weight) and so that is actually 20 pounds more than I am used to. I have been pretty strict about my diet since November but didn't really cut out alcohol or soda til lately. It definitely took some adjusting and learning and old habits are hard to break (especially when you're having a stressful week and want to slip back into convenience foods and vending machine snacks), but the new ones are becoming second nature and I find that now if I deviate my body feels 'wrong' and I get cravings for 'my' food instead of junk.

Friday, August 4, 2006, 3:32 PM

To the OP

I'm not the big big weight loss person but I'm the one who lost from 180-156 now and still losing. I have cut my calories to appx 1400 a day (will probably need to adjust again here soon) and also excercise everyday. I have been tracking my weight loss and have been losing appx 2 lbs every 3 weeks. I started dieting back in February at this rate I hope to have the weight gone by January, my goal weight is 140 that I've set.

Friday, August 4, 2006, 9:35 PM

I'm 5'7" and started at 195. I'm now 162. The most effective thing for me was to look at cals (keeping them under 2,000-- YES, you CAN still lose weight!), keeping my grams of fiber at 30 or more a day, and saturated fat grams under 20.
I also work out 5-6 days a week, but sometimes I just stretch. And I'm still losing! :)
Good luck!

Friday, August 4, 2006, 10:29 PM

OP here

Thanks for all of the hints... I'm not really a calorie counter, I do WW, so I have no clue how many I take in, so perhaps it's time that I started... it could help me get the rest of this weight off!

Saturday, August 5, 2006, 11:26 AM

Natural Harmony

It's really nice to hear from women at a normal weight range, talking about healthy ways of achieving healthy, normal ideal weights.

I believe that more than calorie consumption and exercise, stress and wellbeing are the most important factors that affect our weight and our health and beauty in every way. I went through an amazing experience last January. I am 5'8 and I was 180lbs. I went though a period of real calm and spiritual reflection, and during that time, I effortlessly lost about 20 pounds in a period of less than a month. I lost it naturally and healthily. I didn't exercise other than a bit of yoga and stretching, I didn't take any pills other than natural fiber. I did naturally cut back on calories, but I didn't count them. I just followed my own body's guidance of what to eat, and I felt satisfied on less. I followed my inner guidance on everything that I did, and in doing so, I think I found a natural harmony that my body responded to.

There's been a lot of research on the mind-body connection when it comes to people curing themselves of cancer and other deadly diseases through meditation, affirmations and even just laughing. But we overlook this fundamental principle for our general wellbeing. I know a man who smokes two packs a day, eats burgers and fries, and drinks alcohol liberally. He's 70 years old and has been doing it for the 40 years and he's completely healthy. He also has the most relaxed and happy disposition. I think there's a connection.

The natural state of our body is health and wellbeing. If we simply follow our inner guidance - what is natural and feels good to us - our body will fall into harmony with its natural state. Focus on feeling good. The most important thing you can do for yourself in every aspect of your life is simply to feel good - the rest will fall into place naturally.

Follow your guidance, enjoy your life, and recognize the beauty and wellbeing that is already yours. Have fun! :)

Sunday, November 26, 2006, 5:31 PM

I'm 28 year old female. I started dieting at 180 and am now down to 145. I started dieting 9 months ago and cut out sweets completely at first and cut down my portion sizes. I also got an elliptical machine that I try to use daily. Around 160 I hit a plateau and started counting my calories I cut myself to 1400 calories per day and maintained my excercise and have watched the weight continue to come off.

Sunday, November 26, 2006, 8:51 PM

OP

Hey, OP here, I just saw that my original thread has been resurrected. Just wanted to let y'all know that I'm now down to 154.5 and I am still loving it here on PT!

Monday, November 27, 2006, 11:37 AM

I'm about 5'8.5 and I started at 183. I've gotten down to 160 pretty easily, but now just seem to be stuck. I'm glad to read that it's not just me in this situation!! I was FINALLY in the 150's last week (barely though!! I was 159.8), but Thanksgiving killed that!!
I'm now finding that I have to really be more restrictive and mindful of my eating if I want to lose any more.
Great job OP on the weight loss!! WOO HOO!!! :)

Tuesday, November 28, 2006, 8:07 PM

5'8" woman

I am 5'8" and currently weigh 135 lbs. Because I have a very small bone structure, however, this is a high weight for me. In fact, it's the most I've ever weighed. I'm currently 37 years old and am struggling to return to my most comfortable weight of 125 lbs. It's been a struggle. I was a semi-pro ballerina for 14 years so my weight was constant; then went into aerobics and then martial arts. In the past handful of years I've become stagnant and way too busy with kids and work.

Bottom line in my opinion is that the height:weight ratio is different for everyone. So many factors are involved, but especially that of bone structure.
Comparing yourself to everyone else might be more harmful than positive, as it might sway your perceptions of your own best weight.

Wednesday, June 6, 2007, 12:40 PM

I'm short but I was just reading this

I agree with the above poster about bone structure. I am just shy of 5'4" and medium bone structure when I was last in good shape I weighed 118 and was a size 1. Now I'm 145 and an 8.

Anyways- about the calories- I wanted to add that I track mine at www.thedailyplate.com
I think it's an awesome site. After my weigh-in day if I lost weight I re-calculate how many calories I can still eat (they do it for you) to maintain losing 2 lbs. a week and aim for that.

Link

Wednesday, June 6, 2007, 1:29 PM

Hi, I'm almost 27, 5'8, and currently at 130. I have been as low as 113, which is too little (then there are no breasts left whatsoever, always cold, blood pressure drops, etc), and, probably, in my highschool years as high as 160ish, flabby, hating sports, exercising, my look, etc, etc, etc. How to get down? it's A LOT OF WORK. And it doesn't happen fast. Watching what you eat every single day (and I actually do have a very positive relationship with food, just avoiding the typical American diet - lighter, fresher, more fruit, etc), being active, and, yes, that terrible place called gym... :) I also do have a very stressful work and a sort of anxiety disorder I developed from it, as well as a sort of binge eating disorder. Attacks me once a year, or once per two years for a month or a couple, then I just eat everything I see without any sense, just to stuff myself, and gain a huge chunk of weight right away (like in my latest Jan-March 07 cycle I got up 20 pounds..). Then I, again, spend months and months being conscious and losing it... neverending cycle. Which was the reason I started the PT early this spring, to keep myself accountable. Well, anyway, back to the positive. My goal now is to do some more gym exercises and tone my body all over, which will help me to loose those few more pounds, and hopefully bring me back to my most comfortable 122-123 pounds, which is where I feel light but still strong and muscular, where I look amazing but not bony, where I still do have size B breasts (oh, and don't they look great at a full C at about 140 pounds! - but you have to choose... a sexy body with no breasts, or a fuller body with breasts..LOL).
So, yes, it's a lot of work, constantly, every day... Lucky are those people who are born skinny, well, I'm not one of them.

Wednesday, June 6, 2007, 4:59 PM

Hello, I am 15 years old and i am also 5'8. I weigh around 155 pounds now, and the people reading this are the first people I've ever told that to. I will admit that I'm embarrassed by it, I'm embarrassed to be in my body at times. My weight always seemed too high to me, even though people tell me its because I'm tall. My friends are all around 5'6 and they weigh around 120-130 pounds. Is it normal that I'm 25 pounds more than them, and just two inches? I've become depressed and obsessive over my weight. I have a high self confidence so this isn't normal for me, but one of my sides of my family is known for obesity. I don't want to become as unhealthy as them. The more depressed and stressed I become, the more food I eat and as a result I gain weight. I know its bad but I feel the less weight I am, the happier I'll be. So I'm starting to take action. I am going to get a personal trainer and work with him/her every week and hopefully I'll start shedding the pounds. I'm looking to be at around 130 but my ideal weight is 120. Thank you for reading this, and support would really be appreciated.

Thursday, June 21, 2007, 9:48 PM

Hey! I wouldn't get overly obsessive about being 155lbs. What I would recommend is not letting it rule your life. You are 15 years old. Instead of freaking out about the weight, take some positive steps to become more active. I work with lots of teenagers and my best advice to you is to start doing things that don't feel like working out. Join an intramural sports team, go to your local YMCA after school, go hiking/jogging/walking in your area with some friends. You can talk and hang out and be active at the same time. And ease up on fast food and junk food if that's a problem for you. But you're not at a horrible weight and you're young so getting the weight off with activity will be a lot easier for you. The biggest thing for you to watch out for is a negative self image and the damaging cycle of depression and eating. That is what you need to fix. You're gorgeous and you have good friends - build yourself up.

Friday, June 22, 2007, 12:10 PM

I'm glad to see this thread and I want to find the team someone mentioned earlier! I am just under 5'9" (I "grew" 1/2 inch after starting yoga!) I am 35 and was probably in the mid 140's as a teen- crept up to 150 in college, then after baby #2, carried 180 for three years. Then I began doing yoga and cutting carbs- huge difference. cutting carbs gave me MORE energy. I've always been heavy on my lower half, but also very strong and active, just bigger and more "wobbly" than I would like. Over the years I've adopted eating habits like 12:08- no processed carbs, lots of veggies, watch the alcohol, refined sugars, etc. I even watch dairy. (plenty of calcium in broccoli!) I was down to 143 with careful diet and being super active. I'm back up to 150- less active and diet has slipped. It's mainly the tone I've lost in my legs and lower abs- little pooch is coming back. I think you just have to know what YOUR numbers are, how YOUR body feels. It seems like it's easy for me to gain a few because I have a taller frame, but it can catch up with me! I know my body, and I will never have skinny legs, and I know I have to work to keep off the "extra".

Friday, June 22, 2007, 1:53 PM

Regular--daily--exercise is the key

I'm 5' 8 1/2" and about 160. My highest is 165, and my lowest 140--but that was 20 years ago. ;-)

I recently quit eating red meat and that seems to help. It's also upped my energy level. Which is good, because the key for me, and for most of us, is regular exercise. Not hard-core gym work, just a good walk. And walking whenever possible, instead of taking elevators or driving a short distance.

I still have to watch my diet. Fat consumption is a big problem for me. I am not tempted by sugar or dessert. I find that I can't go without carbs, so I try to eat rice instead of bread, And in moderation.

Exercise is indeed the secret. I'm a lazy person, but I find that when I'm walking every day the weight really comes off.

OK, I'm going for it. At least one mile a day from now on, and hopefully I can shave off a good ten pounds... Wish me luck!

Wednesday, October 17, 2007, 9:56 AM

Thank you!

Wow, I can't tell you how happy I am to have found this thread. I'm 29 and just under 5'9". I weighed 135 all through high school but of course college helped me pack on the pounds. I've been as high as 175 and am currently hovering anywhere between 152 and 156. I'm finding it nearly impossible to break the 150 mark but reading the ideas in this thread really makes sense and will hopefully be just what I need to get past my plateau. It's good to see that there are others out there with similar issues...I was really starting to wonder if it was just something I was doing wrong.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007, 11:58 AM

I'm 30, 5'8" and just got my weight down to 130lb. I have small bone structure so 130 doesn't look too thin on me. I weighted in 120's through out high school and college, then the weight starting to go up. I think the highest I ever got was 160.

The daily calories aim is about 1200, although in reality I probably eat about 1400. When I excercised 3times/week about 45min each, I lost 20 lbs easily. Then I hit the plateua around 140. I struggled with that weight for a while, since if I slack off on excercise I will gain weight. I noticed that when I trained for my half marathon, my weight will go down to about 130-135. So, I started training for a marathon back in July, and the scale finally is moving again. I lost about 10lbs over the past 3 months, and I am not even done training for the marathon yet!!!. At this rate, by the marathon date comes around I should be 125. I am currently contemplating starting triathlon for next year so maybe I can get down to 120 and get lean.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007, 2:17 PM

weight loss secret

Im 5'8 and about 137 pounds. I used to be 161 but i discovered this new thing called getting off my ass and not eating. It worked.. almost 25 pounds in about a month and a half. Dont eat and work out. Simple

Sunday, April 19, 2009, 8:17 PM

I am man want to waigh 140 pounds

is ok to waigh the little.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 8:26 PM

You need to be healthy....I recently had to sit on a couch for over a year due to foot problems and foot surgery. Before that I was 140-145ish. I was 127 and I looked emaciated. I want to get back to the 145. I eat only 1200 cals or less a day and I walk at least 4 days a week. I eat A LOT of veggies, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, occasional chicken and lots of fish. I try not to eat any red meat and if I do it's a treat. I'm losing about 2 pounds per week and that is fine..I did the hardly eating and a lot of exercise but your body can only handle that for so long. I now have very low blood pressure because of that. Do it the healthy way and you will keep it off longer. Just get moving and up healthy foods.

Friday, October 8, 2010, 8:54 PM

Oh...and I'm 5'8"

Friday, October 8, 2010, 8:55 PM

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