Wednesday, September 24, 2008

What You Need to Know

Before we get going, there are some things you'll need to know.



About the Numbers:



  • I use the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's BMI calculator. It can be found at http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/

  • Normal weight is 18.5% - 24.9% BMI

  • Overweight is 25% - 29.9% BMI

  • Obese is over 30% BMI

  • There are NO BMI calculations for when I was pregnant and nursing since the BMI calculators can't take those special factors into account.

Now, about me...

I had a baby in June. While I was pregnant, I gained 35 pounds. I lost 27 in the first week, but quickly gained back 2 pounds. I am 5'8" tall and 23 years old. Here's my weight history:

1 year pre-pregnancy: 160 lbs, 24.3% BMI

1 month pre-pregnancy: 180 lbs, 27.5% BMI

At delivery: 225 lbs

3 months post-partum: 200lbs, 30.4% BMI

My Goal:
First and foremost, I want to be healthy and fit to care for and be an example for my son. I need to lose 40 pounds to get down to a healthy weight (160 lbs.) I also want to build up my flexibility, strength and endurance. When I was in high school and college, I could run a mile in 10 minutes (or less.) Now, I feel lucky if I can finish in 15. For me, that is just not acceptable.