Hoping to make a permanent change

[iwantabetterbody]

I've always been overweight. I go through periods were I'm committed to regular exercise and lose some weight but usually something changes like I go on holiday or have exams then I stop my routine and regain the weight.

I think if I was able to commit long enough so that I could see real changes in my body that would help me make the change permanent.

I'm feeling lonely and disgusting at the moment as everyone around me seems to be in a relationship, doing well in life and looking good and then there's me.

I know how to lose weight but I struggle to get started and overtime I let things interfere with my progress.

I'm not even sure why I'm posting anything...I don't really have a question. I know this is something that only I have the power to change

[gingernut49]

That's why the 5:2 Diet works so well - no more yoyo diets. The problem with normal weight loss regimes is that you actively diet, lose the weight, stop counting calories - and pile the weight straight back on again and more.

I lost the three stone I needed to in six months on the 5:2 Diet after watching Michael Mosley's excellent Horizon programme in 2012, "Eat, Fast and Live Longer" tinyurl.com/qzgo7tq or tinyurl.com/a8ppjl7 and went from a size 16 to a size 10 by eating 500 calories two non-consecutive days a week. I've been maintaining my weight loss since April 2013 by just fasting one day a week - in the past I piled the weight back on as soon as I finished 'dieting'. I'd very much recommend you read Kate Harrison's book, "The 5:2 Diet" (tinyurl.com/qe6mz4u) - it really does work, it's totally FREE and it will save you a fortune (towards your smaller clothes!).

I'd also recommend a free app for your phone called MyFitnessPal. Counting calories is very important so you can see how much you're eating and therefore eat mindfully rather than mindlessly. There are excellent videos in the Help section on the app that show you how it works - there's even a barcode reader to scan in branded foods.

It's important you don't eat more than your TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) on non-fasting days. You can work that out here thefastdiet.co.uk/how-many-.... If yours works out at more than 2000 then aim at 2000 on non-fasting days.

Here I am in the Daily Mail on 7th January tinyurl.com/m7rqecq. The other two ladies’ stories are inspiring!

Here Michael Mosley answers many questions on it dailymail.co.uk/health/arti...

This little video explains more youtu.be/W9Aj6hRYg4A(Not working as expected?)

[nhs2015]

You made a good start by joining. Check the NHS website and the 12 weeks weight loss. It is not a diet as such, it just teaches you to eat healthy and loose weight in the process. Don't worry about the "them and me" , you are you and a very important you. By taking control of you life you are strong and clever, and there is always us here to cheer you on. Go on the net

[Anna999]

Hi there, Welcome to the group, you have made the right decision to come here as everyone is so lovely and supportive of one another!

It is good that you can see where your problems are with regard to staying motivated, so many of us have this problem and it's one of the hardest things to overcome as you have to do it for you, especially when you're struggling to love yourself, I've been there.

I notice you have clumped doing well in life and looking good together, is this strictly true? I'm sure there are things you have achieved, you talk about exams? Try and write down ten positive thing about yourself or what you have achieved and look at/add to it everyday. I'm finding it so therapeutic posting on here about my weight loss journey, I have a long way to go but I've also yoyo dieted alot and am finding it alot easier with this support and place to voice my fears and achievements.

As far as advice goes, I'd recommend using a calorie counting app such as my fitness pal, keeps me really mind of the food I am eating. Also plan your meals in advance so you don't get in from work starving, with no plan and think sod it I'll just order a pizza...

Maybe looking at things as a permanent lifestyle change to make you healthier rather than a diet with an end point will help. I promise things will get better and you can do this!

Good luck with whatever you choose to do, and I'm looking forward to hearing how you get on! 🌸

[HRHGaby]

Welcome! I'm a bit like you, when I commit to my diet and exercise routine I lose weight and see the changes, but when life gets hard I relax and I'm back to square 1. This programme has helped me a lot to relax and go slow and steady. Good luck!

[iwantabetterbody]

Thanks everyone! i'll definitely start the 12 week programme. I have really liked the nhs couch to 5k so Ill start that too and this time keep it up long term!

I know happiness, good life and work really don't depend on how you look/ what you weigh its more that I let my image impact these things. I think I would be more confident and not shy away from things as much. I sometimes feel like people have ulterior motives for being nice to me - like they feel sorry for me or it boosts their confidence. Haha but that's probably a paranoia that will have for life regardless.

The achievement list sounds good. I'll give that a go it could give me a boost!

Thanks for the tips and good luck to you guys too!