I'm 8stone 3 but feel bigger!

[Alicia870]

Hi all - hope this is interpreted in the right way. I am 5'3 and weight 8 stone 3. This was what I weighed before I got pregnant with my daughter who is now 6 months. So I've tried hard to lose baby weight and am feeling pleased with my efforts but I just feel that I don't look what I weigh.
I'm a size 8-10 and although I know that isn't big or anything, I would just love to be able to fit into just size 8. That is just my goal. But just don't get why I still fit in size 10 when I'm this weight. I feel that to lose weight when I'm now at this level means I have to cut calories even lower as I'm at a lower weight. Would exercise be the way to go here? I just want to aim to be in size 8 clothes exclusively!

Of course it's harder to lose weight when you're borderline underweight your body doesn't want you to weigh less than you do because it's not healthy, also at such a low weight you won't need to eat much to maintain so actually losing means you have to eat very little.
Maybe just stop focusing on the number on your labels and be happy?

Bodies change after pregnancy, usually permanently.

Try being less obsessed by how much you weigh and how you look and concentrate on enjoying your baby .

@ImTakingTheEssence I didn't do anything to get your post deleted fyi.

I am your height and I once (a long time ago !!) was 8.3. I would kill to get back down to that size so well done. I have a 6 year old & a 6 month old. Can I ask how you did it ? Did you stick to a strict calorie limit / low carb etc ? FWIW with my elder one I took about 6 months to lose the weight but almost another six months to get my “shape” back .

'Try being less obsessed by how much you weigh and how you look and concentrate on enjoying your baby'

This. i have to say it isn't going to be a great message to your daughter than Mum has to be a size 8 and 'maintain a calorie deficit' to feel OK about herself. It sounds as if this is taking up more of your mental energy than you are admitting to yourself.

'that', not 'than'.

Of course it's harder to lose weight when you're borderline underweight

Huh? The OP would have to drop another 10lbs before she reached borderline underweight.

Ah amazing OP well done with the weight loss. I can't and want to get rid of my mummy tummy. Am feeling better as been dieting and classes at the gym. Am sure you look amazing. We're all too hard on ourselves

What you’re saying about fitting back into your old clothes I think is your main problem! You are a great healthy weight and obviously eating well and exercising. Like others have said your body changes shape after pregnancy, I have accepted that I will never fit back in to my size 8 jeans because my hips are wider. Getting rid of my old clothes was the most liberating thing I’ve done for myself and I am very body positive now that I don’t have a wardrobe full of things I’m too ‘fat’ for! I promise you you’ll be more comfortable with your body if you don’t feel like your own clothes are judging you.

I'm not too hard or myself, Em78. I am perfectly happy with my 'imperfections'.
There's a lot more to think and worry about that your weight.

Of course it's harder to lose weight when you're borderline underweight
The lower limit of the healthy weight range for a person with a height of 5' 3 is 7st 6. The OP is a healthy weight.

@PeachesNewName I think you definitely have a point there. Thanks for the input. For what it's worth I haven't spent time away from my daughter in trying to lose weight- I exercise when she is sleeping or in the evening when she's in bed. I am fully and thoroughly enjoying my baby girl and I hope I can show her in the future that it's good and positive to be fit, healthy and strong. Definitely have taken on board the point that pregnancy changes your body though.

I feel sometimes as women with social media some of us are a little hard on ourselves. From being with women every day it's something I see. Of course there are other things to worry about, however I know I can be hard on myself about my body. Gosh why do women like to react to comments in a negative way and give those who want some help a hard time

Em7, best not to assume all women have insecurities about their bodies.
That is a negative way to think .
Be happy that you are well.
If you are either underweight or obese then it is time to worry.

There's a vanity pounds thread you could join. It's full of people in a healthy BMI that would prefer to lose a few pounds to get to the weight they were/feel comfortable in their clothes at. It's a bit quiet but may be a good non-judgy place to share.

@roisinagusniamh she said 'some women'. So you're clearly not one of the some she's talking about. @cathyandclare thanks for your suggestion ❤️

OP, in Em's first post she said "we are all too hard on ourselves".
I hope you have taken the advice on this thread . Especially regarding being less body obsessed and remember you are a role model for your daughter.

Have you tailored your hiit exercises to make sure they’re appropriate for your diastasis rectis? Anything like crunches, planks, burpees can make it worse if the muscles haven’t knitted together yet- it will put a lot of strain on your core. Same with Pilates, but a decent teacher will make sure you don’t do the wrong exercises (eg the 100, ab prep, double leg lifts). The excercise that did the most for my diastasis was abdominal hollowing- think it was in a leaflet from my midwife. I also find the Pilates floor exercises where you go into imprint (no straight leg lifts!) help.
If it’s just your tummy that’s bothering you then I’d focus on fixing it rather than your weight tbh.

You body does change shape after pregnancy. My hips have definitely widened.
I still have a bit of weight to lose but when I have been my current weight before (pre pregnancy). I was a size smaller in jeans to what I am in now.

8st 3 is nothing either! I am 5ft3 too and I will never get down to that kind of weight!

I think you are on a hiding to nowhere if you expect your body to pretend it hasn't just gestated and birthed a baby. Plus sizing is all over the show in shops.