What Constitutes a Healthy Weight?
Kris Reid  Body MakeOver Expert

     How much are you supposed to weigh?  Do you feel like you could lose a few pounds but your friends say you look great?  Does your doctor say if you don't lose weight you will be in trouble?  Why is everyone so concerned with weight?  I believe that weight is an outdated measure of health. 

     Weight is not a healthy perception of how lean you are.  Weight is one dimension of a multi-dimensional system.  The best way to know if you need to change your body is to look in the mirror.  For instance, the Body Mass Index says I should weigh 165 pounds.  Therefore, at 185 pounds I am technically obese.  However, my doctor is not concerned with my weight at all.  Why not?  Because I have a body fat percentage of 15.4%.  This is very healthy and respectable according to many indexes. 

     If you undertake a nutrition and exercise regimen to rid yourself of excess body fat, don't think of it as "losing weight."  Watching the scale on a daily basis will only discourage you as your weight fluctuates with fluid retention, food, and other reasons.   The best way to measure your progress is look in the mirror, and use your clothes.

     One of my favorite indicators that it is time to clean up my eating habits is to put on the "super-jeans."  I have a pair of blue jeans that fit perfectly when I am at my optimum body fat percentage.  As I stray from my healthy habits, the jeans begin to shrink.  Yep, that's what I think happens. The jeans, being a special pair of intelligent jeans, actually shrink to encourage me to start watching what I eat.  Most of you have intelligent and helpful garments like my jeans, and you don't even know it. 

     When you are eating healthy in order to become thinner, instead of stepping on the scale every day, take out an old outfit that is too small or buy an outfit that you want to fit into.  Leave it out in your bedroom in a place where you will see it every day.  Once a week (ONLY) try the garment on and notice how it fits. This will help you to stay on track much more than a scale.  The result is two-fold: First, it is a much better indicator of how close you are to your goal.  For instance, you never say, "Boy, I wish I could weigh the same as Sandra Bullock."  Do you?  Nope. You want to look like Sandra Bullock, or whomever, in his or her jeans. Secondly, it will help with your visualization.  Visualization is the most important component to a healthy eating program.  That is why it is on Day 1 of Body Makeover Jump Start Tools. Visualize yourself fitting into that outfit, and your body will lead you to the right choices to get there. 

     Now, put your scale into the closet, and pull out that special pair of pants that has your best interest at heart!  Remember, don't ask, "How can I lose weight?"  Always ask yourself, "How can I attain the body I want while having the most fun possible?" Your solutions will surprise you!

Yours in Good Health!