I'm new here...

[Rowan874]

A little about me, I am 42, married, no children. I have had weight issues all my life. When I lost my job in 2009, it just got worse. I have been unable to find another job, and my weight is the highest it has ever been. I want to lose the weight before something serious happens. I have started walking because it seems like a good way to get into something physical that will not kill me lol. I think my main problem is I don't have people to talk to about it. I am hoping this group can help.

[DartmoorDumpling]

Hi Rowan874,

It is so easy to lean on comfort foods when life gets tough; it is as much of an addictive habit as drugs or alcohol are to others. You are doing well in recognising that you have a problem with food, and now you just need a plan of action to take control of your eating habits.

I started the beginning of the year with very painful knees, difficulty sleeping and a feeling of getting old before I was ready (I am 61). I found the NHS Weight Loss forum on Health Unlocked and also a link to a calorie counting app (Nutracheck) which suddenly made losing the weight possible. There are other calorie counters such as myfitnesspal which are free to use. I am losing the weight steadily at around a pound a week - just a stone left to go now.

Take it one day at a time; plan some healthy swaps for your normal meals. Drink more water or fruit tea, eat small meals regularly and find activities to get yourself moving more. Walking is excellent because not only does it burn calories, the exercise will release endorphins to alleviate depression and make you feel better generally.

While you are walking, maybe you can think of some ways of earning money until you find another job? Could you walk dogs for people? Could you do a bit of gardening or take in some ironing? Anything to increase your self-esteem and keep you busy; it all looks good on the CV too! Best of luck!

[ChaiDollz]

Hey Rowan im Chai ^_^.I recently started taking walks myself to head at least in a better direction than i am now. My health lately has suffered greatly between my current weight and acute sinusitis. I found this page by accident, and i have to say im really glad i did. I agree that the hardest part of this is not having anyone to talk to about it. I think you will definitely find a group of positive people here to keep you going! I wish you great success ^_^

[positivelyhappy]

Hi Rowan874! How are you feeling today? I am Missy and I totally understand how your feeling! Is today a good day or a bad day for you? My day is just starting and it is a bit challenging. I live in Utah, USA; where do you live? Are you able to get outside for your daily walks or does the weather not cooperate? I haven't tried any of the communities yet, have you? Found one you like? I hope you have an upbeat and blessed day!

[Rowan874 in reply to positivelyhappy]

I have had a few bad days lately as I think I have a slightly sprained ankle, which makes my walking harder to do. Also, we just had some real life set backs which have increased my stress levels. I live in Pa, USA and it has been pretty hot around here for most of the summer. Due to the fact that I cant breathe well when the heat gets over 90 I have been walking in home more than outside. I wish you a wonderful and productive day!

[Lisahelen]

My local council runs a free daily walk session,(different places each day) all you have to do is register then turn up. It might pay you to see if they do something like this in your area. You will meet other people and be able to chat as you get fit. A balanced healthy diet is good. There are loads of weight loss options, even tablets if you are seriously commited to the regeme.

[Rowan874]

Thank you for all the replies. One of the main issues I face is finding and getting cheap but healthy food. With not having a job every single cent matters, and it is a struggle to get healthy food on a low budget. I usually do my walking around my neighborhood, and I use Leslie's walk at home videos when I cant get out. I am looking into the walk sessions that Lisahelen mentioned, that is a great idea! Thank you all for the posts, it is nice to hear I am not alone in feeling the way I do