According to this article,
The fashion industry assumes these standard measurements for a woman: 35-inch bust, a 27-inch waist, and 37.5-inch hip. In the real world, women ages 36 to 45 actually average:
- White: 41-34-43
- Black: 43-37-46
- Hispanic: 42.5-36-44
- Asian: 41-35-43
Ok, but is average the same as normal? When I think of normal I think of not extreme in either direction. I know very few women over 30 with children who I would consider "skinny." Those who are, tend to be work out fanatics or vegetarians. (Yes - broad generalization - sorry)
I am currently a size 10/12. Better than "average" in America according to many studies. According to Weight Watchers I am about 15 lbs over the maximum weight for my height. And I'm about 25 lbs over the lowest weight I've ever been as an adult (pre-children), and even 10 lbs over my pre-pregnancy weight.
I think the lowest that I have weighed since having children and not while breast-feeding was still 9 lbs over the Weight Watchers maximum.
However, most people say that I look normal. When I look in the mirror I feel normal. Normal or Average are not good enough. Instead of using those words I need to change my vocabulary. My new word is Healthy.
I may consider myself normal or even better than average but when asked if I consider myself to be healthy my answer would be no. I don't eat enough fruits and veggies, I don't drink enough water, and I don't exercise enough. I think a healthy person should be able to go out and run 2 miles in 20 minutes or less.
I do honestly believe that your body changes after you have children and your metabolism changes after age 30, or 33, or whatever. I will never be a size 4, or even 6. But I'd like to be an 8. I'd like to be healthy, and fit comfortably into a size 8. And I think that when I get there, that should be my new normal.
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