If you're a size 8-10 (or your ideal) but not naturally slim how do you stay that way?

[overweightcat]

I know some people are just naturally rather petite or slim and willowy.

But if you're not and manage to stay a size 8-10 how do you do it?

I'm 5'5 and recently lost weight and gone down to a solid size 12 - 10 in certain shops. Beforehand it was on the larger side of size 14.
I used to be very slim in my teens, had a terrible diet full of crap and sweets but was also very active around 8hrs a week of various sports/dance activities. I became quite sedentary and steadily piled on the weight since.

I don't have long legs or a small frame or anything - if anything I find that I'm rather in proportion all around and when I used to do a lot of sports I looked slim and athletic not willowy (which I'd prefer TBH).
Size 8-10 is my ideal I think as I've recently seen pictures of myself when I was that size and I think that's when I looked my healthiest and fittest - but I'm not sure how to get there.

My weight is at a bit of a standstill at the moment and I want to lose in a sustainable way. I probably have about 9lbs to go.

So anyone who has managed to achieve that and stay the desired size - can you share how you did it?

We are now talking about " a healthy weight" which is not the same as being an 8/10.
For many women it is perfectly healthy to be an 8/10. The fact so many people seem to think otherwise shows how warped people's views are.

According to the NHS the healthy weight range for my height is between 8-11 stone and I'm above average height.

The average height for a woman in the UK is 5 foot 3.

It's a shame that people would rather pretend an 8/10 is unhealthily skinny.

It’s not

It’s not
It's not perfectly healthy?
Guess you better go tell the NHS that their weight range is a lie then?

It’s not unhealthily skinny.

You sound very similar to me OP. I am an average weight now but could do with losing 3-4 kg.

I know that it is all about my eating. Less carbs, not eating a big dinner means I can be a size 8-10. Eating like I am now makes it hard to get there (lockdown has been dreadful for my diet as my 2 over 18s have been at home which has been wonderful but with them comes a load of snacks that aren't normally in the house).

PablosHoney
Phew.

I weigh loose foods, cereals, cheese, nuts, pringles! chocolate. I bought some electronic scales and use them daily for this, this way I can have treats but not much and don't feel as deprived.
No takeaways. Puddings are Greek yogurt and fruit. I eat lots of fruit. Low fat sprays for frying. It works and is worth it!!

I'm a formerly 'naturally skinny' person.

Since I turned 30 I've put on weight and I hate it.

It crept up but was very slow in creeping up (half a stone in 3 years). I was still active until March then losing my job and I've gained another half a stone.

I'm really short so I look chubby and I hate it.

I'm not eating much. I track it. My calories for very light activity are 1500 a day and I'm sticking to that but not losing any weight.

I think it's difficult for those of us who never had to watch our weight all our lives. I used to eat whatever I wanted, never gave it a thought.

Could you try and put on some muscle @unrulyeyelash, muscle burns more calories even at rest. It sucks being short sometimes, no where to put it 😀

I exercise every single day and don’t eat much. It’s the only way I can keep my weight down but for me it’s the price I’m happy to pay.

Exercise gives me so much joy I’d hate it to be punitive.

I'm 5ft 8 and size 8. I do insanity workout 6 times a week and run 30 miles a week..I watch what I eat, I don't snack on junk and eat healthy meals

Sorry but after reading the comment from duvet I just wonder how anyone has the time for this amount of working out?

Insanity is only 30 minutes I think and it depends on how the 30 miles is broken down, 10 miles every other day only takes 1-30 to 2 hours depending on your speed so I don’t think it’s as much as it sounds

Insanity is 1hr a day. Running is one long run of 1:30mins and then I do 4 other shorter runs during the week. I'm not a particularly slow runner. You are more than welcome to message me for a link to my Strava if you are such a doubter that someone actually looks after their body

Who are you talking to @GhostCurry

I get up early to run 10 miles every morning with the dog. It only takes 1,5 hours a day I just lose out on a little sleep. My kids are older with young children obviously it is more difficult.

Hey you said no excuses @Jemenfouscompletement surely you’re not allowing people to use young kids as one 😂😂

Lots of enjoyable exercise, eat 5 days a week. I love being slim and fit.

I have 2 "water days" per week where i dont eat anything.

You literally eat nothing? Just drink water?

Why?!!!!

wtf

😂😂PablosHoney
Yes I'll be more generous with excuses for lots of sport but am still struggling with finding excuses for consistently overeating. No one is being force fed like geese and ducks to make foie gras, it's all voluntary.

@Jemenfouscompletement

This obviously doesn't apply to all overweight people, but apparently amongst victims of abuse, over eating to obesity is very common...I read about it and it has something to do with subconsciously trying to make yourself unattractive and putting up a barrier around yourself as a form of protection.

Is that enough of an 'excuse' for you?

Omg some of you are so disciplined. 1.5 hour run in the morning? Water days? I just don’t have the discipline for that sort of thing.