As of this morning, PhysicsDiet shows my weight as being 229.85 pounds. In other words, I’ve met my goals of 230 pounds by the end of 2010. Since 230 wasn’t intended to be the end all of my journey, it looks like it’s time for a new goal…
As I’ve noted previously, I’m not doing anything particularly special to lose this weight. I’m just eating better and exercising more. Given these changes, I’d be happy to let my weight settle out at a new equilibrium and see where we’re at.
At the same time, I’m motivated by goals, and I’d like to set a new one so I have at least a vague idea as to where I’m headed. So… I’ve decided to re-define my weight loss goal as 210 pounds before I turn 40.
In other words, I’d like to lose 20 more pounds over the next 11 or so months. Why 20 pounds? For starters, it’s a nice round number, and I like nice round numbers. 
Beyond that, it would put me back in the range I was at around the start of college. It would also give me a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 24.9, which would be me back (barely) in the “normal” range. While I have mixed feelings about measures like BMI
In truth, I should probably be tracking body fat alongside body weight. Unfortunately, I don’t currently have an easy way of estimating that, and I honestly have no idea where I stand.
I’ve decided to re-define my goal as being 210 pounds before I turn 40, which means 20 more pounds over the next 11 or so months. Why 210 pounds? Well, for starters, it’s a nice round number, and I like nice round numbers.
Beyond that, I’m 6′5″ so a body weight of 210 would give me a Body Mass Index (BMI) of just under 25, which would put me back (barely) in the “normal” range.
While I’m not a huge fan of BMI, my recollection is that 210 is a decent weight for me, and 25 is once again a nice, round number.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Awesome job on reaching your goals so early in the year. This is the first year that I can remember where I’ve done the same thing. I hit my weight loss goal and my fitness goal by May 2 and am now just working on maintaining and getting stronger.
There are lots of ways to measure your body fat at home. There are electrical impedance scales that are somewhat accurate and useful to track changes (even if the actual number isn’t perfect). There are several websites that have you input various measurements (using a tape measure) from your body that then calculate your body fat pretty accurately. You can even get a pair of skin fold calipers and measure yourself, though I think it’s easier to have some one do it for you.
When all else fails, walk into a globogym every couple of months and pay someone to measure your body fat. I’d try and get the same person each time for consistency sake. Hope this helps
mac: Thanks for the suggestions. I’m still planning on upgrading my scale to something that does body fat (someday). Even if it’s not totally accurate, as long as it’s reasonably consistent, I can track trends and relative progress.