For years and years I’ve denied the reality of my body composition. I’ve used my achievements, like competing in powerlifting, throwing the discus and hammer, and running a half marathon, to justify my body weight and composition. I was big boned, muscular, and in denial of the excess weight on my large frame.
Being able to have my body composition and metabolism tested at the George Washington University Exercise Science Lab was the first step in me connecting with my reality.
Dr. Miller and I first went over my InBody 720 results, which I was the most nervous about. The InBody 720 tested my weight, lean mass, body fat, BMI, and Basal Metabolic Rate… all things I avoid and deny regularly.
|
Test |
November 11, 2013 |
|
Body Weight |
234.1 lbs |
|
Lean Body Mass |
147.3 lbs |
|
Body Fat Mass |
86.8 lbs |
|
BMI |
34.6 |
|
Percentage of Body Fat |
37.1% |
|
Basal Metabolic Rate |
1812 kcal |
The test revealed that my lean body mass is in a healthy spot but that I should lose 43 lbs of body fat in order to reach a healthy body composition. As scary as it was to see these numbers, I was relieved to see that it’s recommendations were right in line with my goals… weighing somewhere between 180 and 190.
Dr. Miller and I also took some time Monday to review my ReeVue Metabolic Rate Results. As I took the same test last February, I was eager to see how the numbers would differ. You see, last February I really struggled with the recommendations given to me based on the test. Dr. Miller, who did not administer the February test, said that the results were probably higher due to the caffeine in my system at the time.
|
Test |
February 22, 2013 |
November 11, 2013 |
|
Resting Energy Expenditure |
2462 calories |
2016 calories |
|
Estimated Exercise Burn |
256 calories |
210 calories |
|
Estimated Lifestyle & Activity Burn |
738 calories |
603 calories |
|
Total Energy Output |
3456 calories |
2829 calories |
|
Recommended Daily Calories Intake |
2100 calories |
1800 calories |
Based on my results from the two tests, Dr. Miller recommended that I consume 1800 calories a day and to eat close to 140 grams of protein a day (this comes from lean body mass 147.3 lbs). Dr. Miller also recommended that I use the FatSecret App to track my calories as it gives a clean picture of my protein and calorie intake with each meal and for the day.
I have been eating 1800 calories a day since Monday and am working to eat as clean of foods throughout the day as possible. I am also working to increase my vegetable intake, as recommended by the Get Well Challenge nutritionist, Jenna Umbriac. It’s easy for me to fill my plate with lots of healthy high calorie foods (avocado, cheese, and nut butters), which aren’t bad, but I am working to control my portions and to increase my veggie intake.
As hard as it has been to face all of these numbers, and to share them with the world, knowing my body composition will help me to reach my goals. I feel extremely secure in my goals now and the aspects of my body that I want to change.
For more information about the GWU Exercise Science Lab, please do not hesitate to e-mail Dr. Miller at Exercise@gwu.edu. Dr.Miller will be able to answer any questions about the cost of the tests as there are various packages you can purchase for different rates.
