I need to discuss a weighty issue 
Here are my facts (ahem):
- My weight fluctuates around 154 and the lowest I have been in the past couple years has been 149.
- I am 5 feet and 4 inches tall which puts my Body Mass Index (BMI) into the “overweight” range.
- I was on Weight Watchers for about 6 months (which I loved. It’s such a healthy eating plan!).
- I trained for and ran the Cherry Blossom 10-mile run.
- I wear a size 30/31 jean depending on the brand.
- I got curves and I love them.
- The lowest weight I’ve ever been in my adult life was 140. During that time, my first boyfriend broke up with me and I was devastated. I barely ate for 2-weeks. Most days, I’d only have a piece of string cheese or yogurt. Wow, so healthy.
Me, about 4ish years ago at my lowest weight
Me, this past September at my current weight
And yet, the BMI calculator says I’m overweight at 26.5 (Body Mass Index of 25-29.9 is considered “overweight”). What do the creators of this so-called diet tool expect me to do? Not eat? Absolutely not. I’m sick of it and sick of society’s stupid ideals. I’m damn healthy. I could out run and out lift many people. I eat well DAILY. Yes, I have my cravings and snack attacks, but it’s all within reason. Fuck this. I’m done worrying about the scale and how much I weigh. Seriously, I’m done.
Where’s this all coming from you may ask? Well, today I started personal training at my gym and it was the fitness test. They took my weight, height, and other measurements. My face turned beet red but the trainer and doctor didn’t even seem to flinch. However, half-way through my fitness test, I realized I was doing pretty well. They tested me to see how many push-ups, sit-ups, and bench-presses I could do in an hour. I felt confident on the push-ups and bench presses but my abs could use some work However, I was definitely not performing the way an “overweight” person would perform. I think I could have done a lot better had I gotten more sleep last night. My running endurance was also tested. My baseline was 1.7 miles in 20 minutes and I thought I did pretty well considering it was on a lame treadmill.
Later in my appointment, I talked to the doctor. She’s very young and we had a lot in common. During our conversation, she said something profound. It went something like this:
“I fluctuate around 136 and when people find out how much I weigh, they are always surprised. I don’t look like I weigh 136 – I am very solid with tons of muscle. Really, I could be a “fat” 136 lbs or a toned and healthy 136 lbs. The lowest I’ve been was 125 for my wedding. There’s no way that I could stay consistent with that weight and live my life. My BMI says I’m overweight, too.”
In the past couple weeks, I’ve really tried to be my healthiest self. I’m no longer drinking diet pop on a regular basis (because of the fake sugar) and I’m drinking daily tea instead of daily coffee.
Will I continue to weigh myself? Yes. I think so. Only because I want to monitor it during my personal training. It’s going to be interesting to see what my weight is at my optimal health. I want to be the BEST I can be. At whatever weight that is I want to be strong and full of energy. I’ll be sure to let you know how it all goes.
Maybe in the end, I will lose weight. Who knows. All I know is that I don’t want to focus on it anymore. It’s so liberating. I want to focus on finishing the half marathon and strengthening my core and arms all while keeping my curves.
My old goal was to lose weight. My new goal is to be my best.
On another note, I’ve recently come across some AWESOME healthy life-style blogs that I’ve become quite fond of. You may know them or you may not. Here they are:
The Inner Workings of a College Graduate
Thanks for reading
hugs,
Julie
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{ 43 comments… read them below or add one }
*clap*!!!! You know most people can’t run at all. You are in great shape and I’m SO happy to hear you finally admit it to yourself.
You do not need to diet! Yay!!! 
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Julie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:40 am
Thanks Amy!
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This was brave as hell.
I struggle as well. I have gained weight. I need to lose it because I have outgrown some of my clothes. I like what I own and I have been lazy. I am capable of better. I used to weigh 203 pounds. I don’t want to go back there. It was too hard losing 65 lbs and I am up too much.
I am working to right my brain and my body, though. The self flagellation gets old.
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Julie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:41 am
You are absolutely, positively inspiring and amazing. You’re so right… self flagellation DOES get old. It’s old for me!
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Good for you. I hate those BMI tests too. For me, it says I am obese too. Although, right now, I know I am definitely overweight after the baby and all, but I know the weight will come off with work. You will see that with your dedication and hard work, you will be your best soon!
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Julie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:42 am
Thanks love! Being healthy is what matters most!
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Cheers to you for having a super healthy outlook on life. And so true what the doc said. I have to weigh myself daily because of a medical issue and I finally judge my self-perception on how my clothes feel or how strong I am because the scale just doesn’t tell the whole truth!
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Julie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:42 am
The scale LIES! LOL. Good for you for judging your perception on what really matters!
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I waver between normal and overweight on the BMI chart. I totally agree with your philosophy – mine is similar! All that matters is that you are happy. Plus, we are totally gonna kick some half marathon butt!
Julianne´s last blog ..I Did It!
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Julie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:43 am
I can’t wait for the half!!!!
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Girl, you’re the best! I’m so glad you posted this. Behind you 100%…for everything. We all know that being healthy and fit is way more important than the number on the scale…even though sometimes the world doesn’t agree with that.
Shaina´s last blog ..Anna’s Baby Shower!
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Julie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:44 am
Thanks girl! The number seriously sucks and is psychologically damaging. How you feel is what’s important! xoxo
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I agree that whoever made that BMI chart was smoking crack!
You look absolutely beautiful. And let me tell you, I would LOVE to be at your weight…your highest weight!
Congrats on a great outlook!
You rock!
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Julie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:44 am
Awww thank you. The BMI chart does smoke crack. Haha, funny image
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I’m at that point where I need to lose weight to fit back in my clothes…but I never weigh myself. I’m more concerned about my healthy, my ability to stay in shape and how I look.
I’m very proud of you for writing this and for sticking to know what you know is true…because we all know that society’s definition of ‘overweight’ is a little skewed.
Only you can decide what feels right and what makes you happy, as long as you remain healthy.
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Julie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:44 am
Thanks PQ! Missing you and other DC bloggers
xoxo
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girl – you look GREAT – even at your “highest” weight. you definitely don’t need to lose weight, and i’m so glad that you feel great being who you are!
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Julie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:45 am
Thank you Jenn!!!!
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Allow me to join in the throngs applauding for everything about this post (’specially that picture of you from September! *wolf whistle*)
Strengthening your core is definitely the way to go- I think feeling healthy & strong is the most important thing. Good for you!
I’ve been using Wii Fit this year, and every single time I weigh in the little pipsqueak goes “That’s Overweight!”. I just sass it right back- “$)*%(, don’t THINK I won’t take your batteries out!” ;-D
Rob Wilson´s last blog ..A Brief Thought on the Vampire Obsession
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Julie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:45 am
Oh Bob (or is it Rob?!), thanks SO much for your comment. YOU are an inspiration for me too.
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What a great post! You look beautiful and fit. Feeling good in your skin is an empowering feeling, thanks for your wonderful insight into this topic.
Shasta´s last blog ..On The First Day Of Christmas My True Love Gave To ME…..
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Julie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:46 am
Thank you Shasta! xoxo
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You go girl!!
First of all, I am so impressed at your fitness. I know for sure that I couldn’t run a mile if you paid me and I’m definitely not in shape. I am a “skinny” fat.
You are healthy, you exercise, and – in my opinion – you look great too!
Numbers on a scale are just that – numbers. They can’t tell the whole story.
GO. YOU.
Now if you could just pass me some of your inspiration I definitely need to get back (as if I was at one point) in shape.
ClassyFabSarah´s last blog ..To Be Alone
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Julie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:46 am
You look amazing too! Numbers are just numbers. I am happy I can finally agree with that!
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Yay, my little sister! I love your new goal… to be the best you can be! You look so fabulous and so beautiful in the photos. The BMI test is bull! Thanks for the inspiration!
Jill´s last blog ..What I’ve Been Up To…
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Julie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:47 am
Thanks pseudo-sis!
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Bravo !!! Good for you for having the self confidence to put it all out there for everyone & realizing weight is so much more than a number. Continued luck in your journey.
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Julie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:47 am
Thank you doll!
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My BMI always seems too high too – My new trainer says its really only pertinent if you are truly obese! You look fabulous and you are obviously HEALTHY and HAPPY! In my own weight loss journey, I’ve started really concentrating on body fat % – I was shocked at my last fitness test that I’d only lost 6 lbs but lost over 12 inches and 10% of body fat! I’ve definitely gone down a size – it seemed like much more than 6 lbs to me… but when you look at the body fat %, it makes sense!
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Julie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:48 am
That’s really interesting that your trainer said that. Thanks for sharing! How do you measure your fat %? At your gym? I did it yesterday but my trainer said the device wasn’t too reliable. I wonder if there’s a different way. You look great too!
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Kate Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 11:52 am
Yeah, that device that you just hold or the scales that claim to measure body fat are not very accurate. Ask and see if your trainer has the calipers – they aren’t pleasant but they are about as accurate as you can get without paying for one of those fancy water displacement tests! Your family practitioner might have them too!
Kate´s last blog ..breathe-me-back-to-life apple pie
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What?! You are not overweight. The BMI chart is full of crap.
Andrea´s last blog ..A Brain Trapped In the Body of Game Show Hostess
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Julie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:49 am
MUCH agreed. xoxo
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Um, I Think you look Skinny the way you are!! I liked this post. Eff BMI. I have never liked BMI…even when I was skinny. I have been on and off WW for 10 years. I am currently on it, but have not been good the past week. I work out 5-6 days a week, but My BMI says I am obese.
I gave up fake sugar 2 months ago. I have not really lost any weight, but I feel better, I can run further and longer, and people have said I look good. SO, the scale might not tell me what I want, but I will keep up with the healthy lifestyle!
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Julie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:50 am
That’s so awesome that you feel better after giving up fake sugar. I hope I can stick with it and even if I have a diet pop every now and then, it won’t be the end of the world. Thanks for commenting!
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Judging from photos alone I think you look great at your current weight. My BMI falls into the “overweight” range as well (about as much as yours) and while, yes, I’m not in as great of shape as you, I don’t feel overweight.
You are truly going to inspire many with this post!
Sara´s last blog ..Deep thoughts over Christmas cards
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Julie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:51 am
Thank you so much! Hopefully I will be at my best soon. For now, I’m just trying my hardest and trying to enjoy it every step of the way. xoxo
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Those calculators and charts are always off. People are just different, and we can’t all fit into one nice little category!
You are not overweight! I think you look great. To me, it’s all about being in proportion.
(And you could probably run circles around me. I get winded going up a flight of stairs.)
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Julie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:51 am
They are definitely off. It’s all BS. Thanks for commenting! xx
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Thank you for this post!
I have been kind of freaking about weight lately. I am 5″5 and weigh between 155-160 (my weight fluctuates too).
I’ve been trying SO hard to get down to 150 but it just doesn’t seem to be happening for me. But you know what, I’m STRONG! I work out 6-7 times a week and I ran three half-marathons last year! Weight definitely isn’t everything and this post was an awesome reminder of that
Amber from Girl with the Red Hair´s last blog ..Spender or Saver?
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Julie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:52 am
WOW! You are amazing! 3 halfs?! I didn’t know that. You are such an inspiration!
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Kudos to you for sharing that with us!
I don’t understand the BMI chart either. I don’t think it factors in body frames and stuff.
I’m so happy that you’re doing this to be the best you can be!
Nikke´s last blog ..Tuesday Randomness [with bullets!]
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Julie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:53 am
Thanks Nikke!
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Hi,
You looked stunning and pretty as usual..don’t worry.I’m over-weight too but I still love myself so much (well,someday did felt ugly)
Good luck!
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Julie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:53 am
Thank you darling!
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You look amazing! I’ve always told myself that it’s not really about the number on the scale but how you feel about yourself. Like you, the lowest weight I’ve ever been was when an ex-boyfriend broke up with me. So yeah, my lowest weight but definitely not my healthiest. I would say that as long as you feel healthy the number on the scale doesn’t really matter (even though we feel like it does).
Keep it up girl, you seem to really have the right motivations to be healthy
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Julie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:54 am
Wow, you too? Ex-bf’s suck. Anyways, thanks for coming by and sharing that. xoox
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Great post girl!!! I love this attitude. It’s all about how you feel and not what you see in that BMI scale. Proud of you!!!
Kirby @ Good Gals Inc´s last blog ..I feel so behind!!!!
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Julie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:54 am
Thanks Kirby!
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Good for you for sharing this Julie! I really admire you. People are so obsessed about weight & bmi… but we are all so different – we should do what works best for each of us, not what society dictates. I’d never have thought of you as being ‘overweight’ – you look gorgeous and that’s all that matters.
xx
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Julie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:55 am
Aww you are so sweet! Thanks so much Saskia! Much love!
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Julie, when I look at your pictures, I would never guess that you weigh 154. You are so right, how you feel, how your clothes fit & your health & fitness are what is most important.
I’m incredibly proud to call you my friend. I think that so many people are so worried about not being the perfect weight or the perfect size that their health is affected.
Thanks for sharing these other blogs. I’ll be sure to check them out.
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Julie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:55 am
I’m proud to call you my friend also.
Thanks so much for the kind words! xoxo
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Weight is such a strange thing- I have dropped 3 sizes since working out with a trainer, yet my weight has fluctuated a coupel of pounds! They say the difference between sizes is roughly 10lbs, so technically I should have lost 30 lbs, instead of 1-2. I like to weight myself, just to be accountable. However, I know I won’t lose weight and my clothing fit is a much better measure.
Samma´s last blog ..Why Hubs is in the Doghouse
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Julie Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:56 am
That’s such a good outlook. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with weighing myself either – it’s good to know. I mean, if I randomly GAIN 10 lbs or randomly LOSE 10 lbs, it’s good to know for health reasons. Thanks so much for stopping by!
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The BMI is total crap. I think you have the right attitude on getting healthy and keeping your curves. I can’t wait to hear more about your half marathon training! You’ll rock!
Kelly´s last blog ..Thanksgiving Recap
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Julie Reply:
December 7th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
It is crap! Thanks for the sweet comment!
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I need to lose some weight just so I could be healthier and feel better but I don’t think I’ll ever be out of the ‘overweight’ category…myself and Big Man like my curves too much! : )
Congrats to you tho girl…I think you look beautiful!
Lil’ Woman ´s last blog ..Little Woman Land Christmas-afied : )
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Julie Reply:
December 7th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Curves are lovely, aren’t they? I would hate to lose them too!
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You go girl! I think you look great! I completely support your “Be Your Best” attitude!!
Brittney´s last blog ..Intervention
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Julie Reply:
December 7th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Thank you!
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Julie,
This is a great post! I couldn’t agree with you more! And for the record, I think you look fab in your recent photo!!
Good luck with your new goal, and your half marathon!!
Kristen
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Julie Reply:
December 7th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Thank you so much! I appreciate your comment so much!
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Girl!!! Don’t you even bat one pretty eyelash at what that BMI table tells you. You look fabulous and I’m proud of you for sticking with your goals. I’m overweight according to the BMI table too. They need to suck it!!!
XOXO
Gwen´s last blog ..Finally Photos
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Julie Reply:
December 7th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
xoxo thanks love!
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I love this post. Good for you! You’re right, it should be about feeling good about yourself and being healthy. For the longest time I stressed over the number on the scale and I just can’t do it anymore!
Freck´s last blog ..Smorgasbord Posts Are The Best
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Julie Reply:
December 7th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Thanks babe! I can’t either. It’s so tiring to obsess all the damn time.
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This post was so inspiring Julie!! I am a lot like you (except I know I’m not as strong) and my BMI says I am “overweight” but people scoff at me when I say that I am overweight. I’m no beanpole by any means, but I have curves and like you, love them. I don’t weigh myself daily because I become obsessed with the number and it becomes unhealthy. I tend to go by how my clothes are fitting me.
This post has definitely inspired me to get stronger though. I have a gym membership and have probably been to the gym less than 5 times in the past year. It’s pretty pathetic. I blame it on my job, I’m running around and on my feet all day, but that is an excuse at it’s worst form!
Thank you for such a great post! I really admire you!!
Amber´s last blog ..My Thanksgiving and what I’m currently doing…
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Julie Reply:
December 7th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Thanks so much for your comment. Going to the gym on a regular basis is so fricken tough!
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You look great!!!! I just tweeted you. This is seriously my fave post by you so far! I am almost 5′4″, and I weigh 134 lbs. I’m not in the best shape of my life, and this post has inspired me=) As soon as Xmas is over, I’m headed back to the gym! Good luck girl! Great post!!
SouthernBelleJM´s last blog ..Sneak Peek at one of my Xmas presents…
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Julie Reply:
December 7th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Why wait until after xmas?
Thanks for your sweet comment! You can be your best too! xoxo
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So I’m like you-5′3″ and I’ve done Jenny Craig and I run half marathons and do Triathlons but when I step on the scale or have my BMI tested-it says overweight. This post has inspired me and I’m going to make sure I don’t slack at the gym since Thanksgiving just happened and so many holiday parties are coming up. Thanks for talking about this.
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Julie Reply:
December 7th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Wow you’re so amazing!!!! I bet you’re in such good shape
The BMI sucks!
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Hi Julie! I don’t think I’ve ever commented before so hello! I’m also training for my first half marathon (which was supposed to be last April but a car wreck interrupted that). Anyways. Just wanted to applaud you for this post. You look fantastic in your recent picture! BMI is so flawed. Rock hard body builders show up as overweight too since it doesn’t account for muscle weight. I have a friend who is a runner & trainer at my gym and she’s about 5′4 and falls on the heavy end of the BMI scale too and I would LOVE to have her body (and her speed…the girl is FAST)! Health isn’t just the number on the scale.
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Julie Reply:
December 7th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Hi Nikki! Thanks for reading and commenting! When is your first half? Do you have a training plan picked out yet? xoxo
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Nikki Reply:
December 8th, 2009 at 11:50 am
My half is Feb 7 (2 months away…yikes!). I was following John Bingham’s 14 week plan, but I’m now fighting a calf injury and have to do cross training instead of running until it heals. So my training plan is being completely reworked and I’m praying I’ll heal so I can actually do some running in my training before it’s too late!
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Good for you. Remember – muscle weighs more than fat, thus the numbers are deceiving!! You look great and have a great outlook. xoxo
Preppy 101´s last blog ..Busy, Busy, Busy
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Julie Reply:
December 7th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Thanks doll! I appreciate your comment
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Hello I totally agree with you darlin! You are great and it’s all about how YOU feel. It’s not about the number, Beeeeelieve me, I sometimes get down on myself becuase no matter what I do I stay at the same weight, and then I’m like screw it! I feel fine and it’s about ME.
xoxo thanks for being brave and posting this!
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Julie Reply:
December 7th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Thanks love! You are a big part of why I run. It is all about ME and how I feel
xoxo
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I think what’s important is that you love the way you look! You look beautiful in both pictures and that’s great that you’ll keep being your best!
steph anne´s last blog ..Ask me to take a picture…
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Julie Reply:
December 7th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Thank you Steph Anne!!!!!
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you are most definitely NOT overweight. plus, you are RUNNING A MARATHON. I’m pretty sure you’re quite healthy if you can do that.
and you look fab
Maggie´s last blog ..On the road to buying a house: house hunting
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Julie Reply:
December 7th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Thanks love!
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Muscle weighs THREE TIMES AS MUCH as fat, and takes up ONE THIRD of the space.
So anyone who concurrently gains muscle while losing fat is going to GAIN WEIGHT.
Don’t you love society’s take on this though?! Oh, society, the individual is so much smarter than you.
Spatzi´s last blog ..The Other Boleyn Girl
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Julie Reply:
December 7th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Thanks so much for your comment. You’re so right
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Love this brave post. You’re an inspiration.
Suburban Sweetheart´s last blog ..The First & Only Time I Will Ever Blog About Jon Gosselin. Maybe.
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Julie Reply:
December 7th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Thanks lovely! Miss you!
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