I have decided to share my data numbers regarding my measurements, clothing sizes, and weight. People have asked. People have doubted. People have said that I don’t understand them because I am “skinny” and near my goal weight. (I enjoy that last one!)
So here they are.
- I have lost almost 10% body fat.
- I have lost 36 inches off my body (and that’s just from when I started measuring).
- I have lost 3 clothing sizes.
And also,
- I weigh 193 pounds. Right now.
193? Yep.
So much for “skinny,” eh?
However, I am thrilled about weighing 193 pounds. I am healthy, faster and a size 10 at this weight. It’s the lowest I have been in decades.
At 193 pounds, I am currently at (approximately) 24% body fat. I will never (and shouldn’t ever) weigh 135 pounds (because I would be below 0% body fat. Hello.)
But I really don’t care so much about what the scale says as what the other numbers say.
What all the numbers actually mean:
1) I am strong
2) I have worked hard
3) I have reduced my risk of diabetes, heart disease by slicing fat from my middle
4) I am healthier
5) I am faster
6) I am patient
7) I have trusted the process; when the process slowed, I adjusted my approach
8) I was accountable to myself
9) I never quit
and finally,
10) I never made excuses.
(Oh and apparently, because I wasn’t clear that the above 10 items make me happier, I will include a #11. I am happier. Because I feel better. )
These numbers also show the actual progress of a life change – not a quick fix.
I have learned to take each meal and snack as it comes. I have learned how to feed and fuel and adjust my expectations to the speed of reality, of nature and of true progress.
So there they are.
“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson
If you have read this blog and any part of my struggle has ever resonated with you, then I am here. I am here to share my story, and what has worked for me after decades of dieting. If you have read this blog and have ever said “Meredith is SO me,” then I sincerely hope that you join us for October’s Swim Bike Fuel group.
It’s precisely what changed everything for me. Swim Bike Fuel opened my eyes, changed my perspective, and I am forever grateful.
It will do the same thing for you. (Go here to read dozens of stories from others.)
However…
You must to be ready to change.
When I was ready to stop blaming, stop making excuses, look at my reality, start working, and start living–that’s when Swim Bike Fuel came through, creating the perfect storm and tools for progress, self-care and change.
All the tools are here. All the support from like-minded women.
Just ask yourself if you are sick and tired of fighting yourself, feeling terrible, and wallowing in a state of constant negativity about your body and your performance. Are you ready to change? Are you ready to stop blaming others (and yourself)? Are you ready to be accountable and honest? Are you ready to address the emotional baggage?
A simple question: Are you ready?
If you’re ready to change, then WE are ready for you.
Come join us! Registration closes September 30th.
Learn more about the new October Swim Bike Fuel here
Is Swim Bike Fuel right for ME?
Read Testimonials and Reviews from Program Participants Here
Some additional FAQs Here
Ready to Register? Click Here!
See you soon!
Everything you say is very true. I’ll add another–you look amazing. I’m sorry if it’s not “pc” or “ok” to acknowledge how you look but we’re all lying when we say it doesn’t matter. Congrats on all your victories and the countless victories you have single-handedly inspired and motivated others to achieve. Love u.
How tall are you? Loved your book and love your blog too.
5’8″
Thank you 🙂
Great job! May I ask how you’re calculating body fat percentage? Calipers or someone taping you? I’m asking because I myself am looking for a more reliable method beyond a scale I’ve used at my local Y. There’s a bod pod on base where I live and am thinking about giving it a whirl as I’ve heard it is pretty accurate. I’m 182 lbs myself and my goal is to get down to a size 10 and ultimately, no longer qualify to be an Athena in triathlons. 🙂 Thanks for your inspiration and keep it up.
Hi Erika… I have had my BF tested through Lifetime Fitness. It’s a scale, which I know is not as accurate as a Dunk Tank, but it definitely shows a consistent downward trend +/- 2-3% over the last 15 months (which #s are variable depending on water weight, etc., but which you can track well)—it’s not perfect, which is why I say approximately. But I am confident enough in the number of scale measurements I have and the reflecting trend to post this data.
I love what you wrote!!! Way to go! What you have done and are doing is what inspires people! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you! I have gained a few lbs training for next week’s Half Ironman in Augusta and when I saw the scale I was devastated. But I was able to shake it off after a quick dip into depression) because I know am stronger and my clothes fit better. Don’t let numbers undo all your hard work and real accomplishments!!!
This is why I love you and everything you stand for! You are truly an inspiration Meredith….. thank you for sharing! You look amazing, beautiful and strong~
I had did the bod pod, and it’s eye-opening. It’s got a 94-97 percent correlation to hydrostatic weighing, so while it’s not absolute, nor as gold-standard as DEXA scanning, it’s close enough. The only issue is, depending on what scale you have, finding a correlation between the pod and a body fat scale is really hit or miss.
Also, there are two modes to be tested under. Masked to register true lung space, and correlation, where they estimate based on a sample population to gauge what your predicted thoracic gas would be. The mask is more accurate (since it’s measuring you), but either are closer than you’ll get with a scale, and cheaper and faster than DEXA or dunking.
You have a lot of muscle! I am same height and weigh 176 but I am still a size 12. And I am bummed that you will be in my home town this weekend and I won’t be here…gotta go cheer the hubs at IMCHOO.
love this and you. numbers don’t matter: it’s how you look and feel. numbers are just a guideline, a range to help move you in the right direction. i am 2 inches taller and about 20 lb. less but we wear the same size… and you look smokin’ hot (which is icing on the cake). Pretty sure you have a lot more muscle/strength than me these days too!!! Every “body” is different. You are so wonderful to share so much of yourself in the hopes of inspiring one or many. Love you.
Congratulations! What an inspiration!
I am SO EXCITED to be a part of Oct Swim Bike Fuel! I am so sick of my eating habits and how lazy I’ve let myself become! I am ready for change. Thanks for inspiring me. #justkeepmovingfoward
Thanks for sharing. When I saw you in Lake Placid this July, you looked incredible. And it’s not just weight/physique – it’s overall what you are projecting – what you describe above. 🙂
Thank you Cynthia 🙂