Ed Levine's Serious Diet, Week 60: How Much Should I Weigh? Part II
"A few of the last week's comments focused on not settling for not being as fat. That resonated with me—not being as fat isn't good enough."
There were so many terrific, thoughtful comments on my diet post last week about how much I should weigh that I've been reflecting (not obsessing) about that very same question all week.
There are lots of positives about my current weight:
- My wife has marveled at my weight loss. She tells me all the time how good I look.
- I move so much better around the squash court, and of course, I don't get tired as easily when I play.
- People who know me reasonably well but see me infrequently immediately comment on how much weight I've lost when they do see me.
Even my brother, who sees me all the time, commented when he met me for lunch at Pizzeria Mezzaluna yesterday: "Man, you are getting thin." The serious eaters at World HQ have also taken note. Robyn told me at lunch this week that she really began to notice my weight loss after I came back from Miami a month ago.
But you know what? After reading all the comments on last week's post I've decided I still have a ways to go. I'm headed for 200, serious eaters. I don't know if I can get there, but I'm going to give it a shot. Why?
My wife pointed out that I weighed less than 200 when we got married in 1978. Back then I had almost no gut and I could dunk a tennis ball. I believe I had a 36" or 38" waist. I wasn't painfully thin; I was just thin enough.
A few of the last week's comments focused on not settling for not being as fat. That resonated with me—not being as fat isn't good enough.
I still have a fair-sized gut, meaning there is plenty of fat around my midsection that could and should go. Although I feel great about what I have accomplished so far on my serious diet, there is still a bit more fat and weight to lose. Acknowledging that fact (and fat) is actually empowering, not disappointing.
So I'm going to set 200 pounds as my goal. It's going to take me a while to get there, so you're going to have to bear with these diet posts a little longer. And you know what? I just might keep posting about my diet if and when I do get down to 200. Because posting about my weight may be the most effective weight loss tool I've ever devised for myself. It keeps me honest, and, let's face it—fear of humiliation is a great motivator. Plus, I feel if I would be letting some of you serious eaters down if I backslid in a significant way.
The Weigh-In
I don't know how I'm going to fare this week—the daily weigh-ins have been inconclusive. Yesterday I stopped at Bouchon Bakery for some treats for the folks at World HQ to try, including a maple bacon brioche you are definitely going to be hearing about. Also, Adam and I paid a visit to a serious pizzaiolo about to open a pizzeria on Bleecker Street. Needless to say, I did sample his seriously delicious pizza. But the key, I hope, is the word "sample." We'll see.
224. Same as last week. That's all right. I'm still in the groove. 200 pounds here I come. Maybe I'll get there, maybe I won't, but it's worth a shot.
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15 Comments:
great goal, ed. you can do it, just give yourself time and be patient.
sarahlucy at 9:27AM on 03/27/09
wow! I'm excited for you! always aim high. We'll all be cheering you on.
attgig at 9:38AM on 03/27/09
Ed, last weekend I read Rethinking Thin by Gina Kolata. I highly recommend it. It provides a lot of interesting information and an unusual perspective on what you, me and all of us "should" weigh.
Joy Manning at 9:53AM on 03/27/09
Ed, I think you're right to pay attention to your waist and continue to lose weight to get rid of the gut. There's growing evidence that it is the fat in the belly that is associated with so many health issues -- not general pounds or even BMI. Basically, a thick waist = a host of health problems.
That's why, even though I have never had a weight problem, I work hard at keeping my current weight because every single pound I gain goes directly to my gut.
Dee at 10:31AM on 03/27/09
Ed I hope you continue to post about your diet long after the 200 mark is made. You are always entertaining to read and I think reading about your sane approach to eating will do all of us good.
huneybumper at 11:03AM on 03/27/09
I agree with the comments above, reading about your experiences has helped me. I did not mean to insult the Size 0's in my comment last week...For me the Ashtanga Primary Series has kept me honest...But I like your operating word REFLECTING and not obsessing...I just hope you continue to share your love of great food with us, that is what I appreciate of your posts, how you manage both pursuits without huge compromises or deprivation!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jbout at 12:16PM on 03/27/09
Ed,
I started reading Serious Eats after seeing an article you wrote for Yahoo! You have been extremely inspiring...My goal is 200 lbs as well! Good luck!
vadm130 at 1:09PM on 03/27/09
I'm of a third mind here - don't settle for just a little but don't strive for too much either. I think it's only through concentrating on fitness and eating the amount and food that makes you feel good that you'll reach any sort of sustainable health. If you look at statistics for weight loss maintenance, they're terrible. Some of that is from people dieting too fast, some is from people determined to weight less than their healthy weight, some is the mentality that weight loss is some goal to strive for.
Work on dunking a basketball, on running a race, on not tasting another bite of something when you've already determined it's not that good. Those are a lot healthier and sustainable than a number on the scale. And if you are determined to go with the number on the scale, you'll know you've reached your goal when it starts taking dizzying effort to get beyond a plateau. It may be at 220, it may be at 200, it may be lower than that. But when natural, healthy habits don't make you lose weight anymore, you're probably already there.
tangledgray at 1:09PM on 03/27/09
Way to go Ed! Someone I met once told me advice I never forgot, and anyone that's ever had any type of weight issue can relate, "nothing tastes as good as thin feels." Kudos to you and continued success on being an inspiration to some of us out there.
NYFoodieFan at 4:11PM on 03/27/09
Ed - I'm glad you will keep posting about your new way of eating. I look forward to it and it's an inspiration to those of us who love to eat good food but want to lose weight too.
JudyH at 4:30PM on 03/27/09
Go Ed Go!!! :D
alosha7777 at 5:09PM on 03/27/09
Wooo! You go Ed! I personally love to ready your weight loss posts. You have a great attitude.
yankeesgal at 6:03PM on 03/27/09
i second tangledgray here. i recently lost over 60 pounds but it took me almost 2 years. since i basically hate working out and am obsessed with food, it was extremely difficult for me to start new habits like those.
what did i find? you have to make it a part of your everyday life. since i moved to korea, i have to walk 2 1/2 miles to the school where i teach everyday. also, i've become a flexitarian--eat meat in public when there's no other choices, but choose veggies if at all possible. and, eat veggies at home.
it's a long process but you've taken the first great step. good luck and please keep us posted!
downhillguru at 6:04PM on 03/27/09
Go Ed! I love reading about your Serious Diet and hope you keep posting even after you reach your 200 lb goal because losing weight and maintaining a weight loss is about making *permanent* lifestyle changes, not just getting on and off diets.
Vincci at 8:21PM on 03/27/09
Man, now I have some inspiration to get moving and hit 200. I have a good diet, just need the exercise...
comicsan at 3:31AM on 03/28/09