Establishing the truth about how I look - weird but bear with me

[LovefromPickles]

I used to be super skinny but that is no longer the case since I hit 40. However I can’t work out whether I’m still slim or not?!

I realise that sounds odd! But I have one mirror in my house (just a normal IKEA mirror) that makes me look slim and good, so if that’s the “truth” then I’m happy. But sometimes other mirrors make me look a lot bigger.

Likewise photos, sometimes I look slim other times I look quite chubby.

Dress sizes don’t help as I gave everything from size 6-14 in my wardrobe! It’s bonkers.

I’m 5”7, hips measure 40 inches at the widest part, waist 29 inches at smallest part, bust 38 inches.

I exercise regularly and am fairly toned. I am not unfit, eg I can run 7/8 miles on hilly off-road terrain without any issue, obviously realise health is the main thing.

Wow! @LovefromPickles sounds like you are pretty athletic! Definitely don't need to lose more fat! You are correct in focusing on health. Sounds like your muscle mass must be pretty high. Different training will lend itself to different physique. If you Google photos of different athletes you can see how each individual sporting physique looks. Muscle bulk tends to denote strength whilst longer more sinewy muscle I would think denotes suppleness and flexibility.

Here

I feel like this all the time OP. One day I feel ‘bigger’ the next I feel like I’m killing it! I’m athletic and weight lift.

I think it’s a bit of body dysmorphia because of crappy beauty standards for women. Often what is shown as an ideal body for women doesn’t have enough muscle or body fat to be healthy. Or to take us into our later years when muscle starts to decrease anyway.

I’m currently on a mission to build more muscle, and keep my bone density good. This means eating more. I want to be set up for my 50’s ,60’s and beyond. I’d say concentrate on how you feel and how strong you are. Dr Stacy Sims and Dr Gabrielle Lyon’s on youtube talk a lot about optimal female training and nutrition for longevity and health.

But back to your post I think it is fairly normal to feel differently on different days. Especially if you aren’t typically what a Hollywood actress looks like or a runway model. Things are getting a bit better with different sized models, but it’s got a way to go.

I am pretty much the same size and weight as you OP, I am slightly taller and a couple of pounds heavier.
I am definitely not fit or toned though ! I am pretty chubby , but that is because my frame is really small. I am a size 12, 10 in some brands, but I used to be a size 4 .
You sound healthy and not overweight at all.