health vs. self image

Even though my BMI is immaculate, I find it difficult to not wanting to lose weight. I realize I'm not fat, but at the same time...I WANT to be skinnier. It's hard to not try to lose weight, and instead focus on maintaining it. Anyone else have this problem?

people with EDs have an extreme manifestation of this problem...it's probably a good idea for you to make a conscious effort to change your goals, if that means not weighing yourself because you're becoming too obsessive then maybe you should try that.

if you acknowledge that you're at a perfect weight and still want to lose then this can lead to really unhealthy behaviors. focus instead on maybe improving your strength, endurance, or body composition...not the number on the scale. at least this is my suggestion. please don't get so enwrapped in a number that you abuse your body. it's at a perfectly healthy weight right now, and health not "thin" should be your goal, and it is likely that at this weight you are in fact thin. so, congrats and change focus. :)

Omocha, I know exactly how you feel.  I  am at a perfectly healthy weight and a very active person, but still want to lose.  For me it's not a numbers thing, I look in the mirror and am still unhappy.  It becomes obsessive and annoying really.  I unfortunately have no great advice for you, other than knowing that you are healthy is the most important thing.  While I acknowledge this, I sill consciously try to lose weight.  I know a lot of woment have these issues, so we are not alone!! Chrissy had great advice to offer, although I know how hard it can be to actually follow sometimes :( Let me know how you're doing!!

I just found this post and I know that it is several months old, but I too feel like you do.  I joined this website at the end of July.  I just love the interaction with others.  I like how I can analyze my food intake.

My husband tells me that I look great everyday, but I feel that I need to lose 10 lbs.  I don't weigh myself very often at all and really at this point could guess my weight, but I don't actually know the exact number.  I look at myself in the mirror and all I see is this belly sticking out, also I feel that my thighs and butt have some extra skin there that I don't like.  People would think that I am crazy if I ever told them.  I tell my husband and he thinks I'm crazy.  I can never say to people that I think I need to lose 10 lbs because again they would think I am crazy.  It is what I see that counts.  It is how I feel when I put a swimsuit on.  I eat healthy and I am trying my best to exercise when I can.  I find that I talk myself out of that often.  I'm on here because I am looking for motivation to exercise and feel good about myself.

Me to! Although I have found that keeping within the calorie limit for my 'maintenance' has ment that eating lots more fruit and veg (low cal for their bulk) has left me feeling heaps healthier, and drinking less alcohol combined with eating less bread/pasta (high cal) has left me feeling soooo much better. I lost a lot of water weight the first week (1kg) and have less bloat going on.

If you feel your tummy sticks out you could try a detox for a few days/week - stick to water, shakes and fruit. Your stomach 'shrinks' so you feel full with less and it will flush a lot of the heavy **** in your system so your not all clogged up. Leaves you feeling better and a good starting point.

Also Abdominal Exercises, it doesn't matter how 'skinny' you are, if you've got no abdo muscles your tummy will stick out no matter what.

Exercise is awsome for improving body image, so much of maintaining a healthy weight is feeling good and not only will it raise your metabolism, increase your cardio fitness and potentially build muscle but you get that endorphin rush!!

Jogging, Hot Yoga and long long walks do it for me..

Other than that my best advice... throw out the scales and focus on how your fav. clothes fit - your weight goes up and down with fat vs muscle so won't tell you much esp. if you work out, but your fav. jeans won't lie ;)

Wow, great advice.  I do try and drink a lot of water during the day.  I choose yogurt and fruit over other items that may not be as healthy.  I have reduced my intake of breads and pastas, which I love.

You are soooo right about the ab exercises.  That would really make a big difference for me.  Thanks for the input - I appreciated the motivation.

Have a great day!!!!!!!