BMI
The BMI Calculator is a measurement that shows how much fat is in your body. (Women and Weight Loss)
| BMI | Weight |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5-24.9 | Healthy Weight |
| 25-29.9 | Over Weight |
| 30 and above | Obesity |
At the end of a recent visit with the doctor in prep for a procedure, I received prior instructions for the following week and was stunned to see the word obese. I don’t consider myself obese by any stretch of the imagination, nor think my friends and family would.
Most people don’t believe me when I tell them how much I weigh. At the same time, when I calculate my fat percentage on any BMI calculator, it says obese. Two points over from overweight, but it still says obese.
Go ahead and do your BMI calculations with the calculator above. What were your readings? Look at the chart to the right and see if you are overweight or obese. This calculator is important for women and weight loss calculator courtesy of mealpro.com.
Your BMI readings may not be accurate if you have a muscular build. In this case, it is better to use waist circumference to measure your fat percentage. Use a measuring tape and measure the smallest part of the waist at or near the navel.
If your waist measure more than 35 inches, you are at high risk for developing heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, and other health diseases. You are at moderate risk if your waist measures 31.5 to 35 inches.
Don’t Just Talk the Talk, Walk the Walk
Despite this, it got my attention because I know I am overweight for my age and height. Two other doctors later reminded me that I needed to lose some weight. That was a wake-up call for me. I decided that it was time to stop talking about getting fit and healthy and do it.
I know I need to take better care of my health, so why is it so hard to stick to eating right, exercising, getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, and eating enough fruits and vegetables? Why is it so much easier to grab that food that isn’t that healthy, drink unhealthy liquids, stay up late or get by without exercise?
I have spent the last decade participating in more of these bad habits than I care to admit. I need a little motivation and accountability. I’m sure some of you do too. Today I commit to change—no more excuses. Change is not just to meet a temporary goal but a life change.
No Quick Fixes
Many cannot make life changes because they want quick fixes. That’s why many rapid weight loss diets, supplements, miracle exercises, amazing weight loss belts, bands, and suits exist. Another reason some fail is that they are not patient and try to change many things simultaneously. So, I decided to take it slow and make little changes until they became habits.
I need to challenge myself by taking it one day at a time. Accountability is sometimes crucial to success, and I will write some of my experiences, ideas, insights, and those of others in a blog. If you, too, are looking to make some healthy lifestyle changes, I invite you to learn and grow with me.
Your body can do it; it’s time to convince your mind!
Excuses Women Make for Not Exercising
- One of the main excuses is that we are busy or don’t have time. Reality: we have to make time. Our health is so important to us that we must prioritize it, plain and simple.
- I am too old to exercise. Reality: You are too old, not too. As we age, we lose muscle mass and bone density. Exercising helps to slow this aging process down.
- I am too tired to exercise. Reality: You will feel more energized after you exercise, so let that be your motivation. Even though I don’t feel like exercising when I begin, I feel refreshed by the end of my workout.
- It costs too much money. Reality: No, it doesn’t. Walking is free. Exercise bands cost only a few dollars. You can exercise by watching YouTube videos or buying an exercise video at a thrift store. You’re not off the hook even with that one.
- I have a bad knee or bad back. Reality: There are many non-weight-bearing exercises you can try, such as chair exercises, floor exercises, walking, swimming, and using a resistance band.
For every excuse, think of a possibility. When excuses are eliminated, there is more opportunity for growth, and women and weight loss become a reality. Would you like more insight into women and weight loss? Check out the blog posts below!