Hi, my name is Lauren. I started my weight loss journey in January 2016 at 20st 2lbs and have so far managed 4 and a half stone. I'm starting to find it really hard so am seeking a helping hand. My motivation is starting to slip and I find myself eating the same things over and over again and with the cold dark evenings I'm finding it harder to allocate my time to exercise. If any one has any suggestions, tips, recipe ideas, anything I would be grateful to hear from you! 
Lauren x
Hi and welcome Lauren 
Well done for losing 4.5st already, that's a massive achievement!
Take a look at the Pinned Posts section, to the right of your screen (bottom, if you're using a mobile) and have a look at the Welcome Newbies thread.
Look at the Topics section beneath that, for posts that could answer any questions you may have. Consider joining any, or all, of our challenges, as they're fun and motivating.
Join us for the Monday Group weigh-in. If you follow Zest and myself you'll be notified when we post the threads. The latest weigh-in thread can always be found in the Events section, to the right of the home page (bottom if you're using a mobile).
Be active on the forum, as that's where we exchange ideas and get our daily dose of motivation and inspiration.
Wishing you all the best with your weight loss journey
Hi Lauren. Welcome to the forum and well done for losing 4.5 stone already. I see moreless has posted about the Newbie thread and the Monday weigh in. I hope you would like to join in with the Monday weigh in as it is a great place for motivation and support. The forum is a great place for information, advice and ideas to keep you on track. I know exercise may be more difficult with the cold, dark evenings. Have you tried any of the indoor walking exercise videos on You Tube? I have done a few of the Leslie Sansone and JessicaSmithtv ones and find them really enjoyable. You obviously know what to do as you have been so successful so far so I am sure with the help of this forum to boost your motivation you will soon be back to losing those pounds again. Best of luck
Thanks to you both for your inspiring words and I already feel motivated for just joining and reading through! I can't wait to get back on the wagon I was enjoying it so much.
I love this idea of indoor walking exercise videos will definitely be taking a look at those!
Welcome! well done on your progress so far- fab! 😊
I have just ordered a Hemsley and Hemsley recipe book called 'The Art of Eating Well', which im looking forward to reading, as i need inspiration also. they are two sisters that did a channel 4 cooking series on healthy eating ( although i missed that). what kind of food do you like cooking? could you maybe buy a second hand recipe book on Amazon with lots of pictures for inspiration?
Here is a yummy healthy bean recipe by Andie Mitchell, who is my weightloss role model. the recipe is very quick and easy.
andiemitchell.com/white-bea...
Im sure you will get your mojo back soon. 👍☺
Hedgehog x
Wow Lauren well done on your weight loss up to now 4 1/2 stone massive achievement as for motivation encouragement support advice understanding and of course tips on new recipes you are certainly in the right place 10 weeks ago I was at an all time low disgusted and upset with myself this site was amazing it gave me the motivation strength encouragement to change and feel amazing ive lost 38lb up to now still got another 3 stone but this site is a saving grace probably most of us ,Hearing other success stories and how they have done makes you feel that will be one day so good luck in your continued weight lost journey you know you can do it as you have already lost 63lbs excellent 😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄
Onwards and Downwards 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
I think you are doing brilliantly!!!!
Keep going and maybe just take some time to reflect on your routines. Can you change your exercise patterns (try the couch 25k programme maybe?).
Also planning and trying out new menus of food sound like a good idea.
All the best to you. You can definitely do this!🌻
Well done on a fantastic achievement 😊🎉🎈😊
My motivators are new clothes and planned trips or days out 😊 For example we are going to visit my son in Edinburgh on 10th December so I have 5 weeks to try to lose a few more pounds 😊 Bigger goals or longer time frames seem too big somehow 😊
I also like looking up new recipes and trying seasonal produce, I have a big pan of pumpkin soup ready for today's lunch 😊
Good luck! 😊
what an amazing loss 😁 these dark nights can be a struggle. Do you enjoy any handcrafts at all? I do cross stich and its useful for keeping your hands busy. Some of the magazines have small kits attached and they are usually fairly simple and not too intricate for beginners. I spend quite a bit of time in these forums as well, very supportive and lots of good ideas and advice.
Hi misstippytoes ,
I do enjoy crafty things. I used to like knitting but I kinda stopped due to lack of time. Maybe I should pick it up again. I definitely think keeping the hands (and mind) busy helps from boredom eating!
I have a feeling any spare time I have will be spent here from now on - makes me feel so motivated I'm loving it!
X
its a good diversion for sure and the fact that we are all in it together makes such a difference. Onwards and downwards - on the scales obviously 😊
Welcome Lauren, I also had dropped some weight (3-4 stones) but found my motivation weakening, and my mind was tired from constant dieting. That's when I joined this forum, and have managed to lose nearly 15 kg more. So stick to the forum, great that you have joined us! 🌞 And congratulations for your amazing weight loss so far!
That's great news! Congratulations on your massive success! I'm glad to hear someone else is in a similar situation to me. I think staying motivated is the hardest thing.
Look at the various exercise progs on here. There are loads to pick from that you can do in the house with no equipment. Some you can even do in bed. Keep to it. I'm only just where you started.
Here you go. All the information you need. 5 minute morning wake up, Fitness Studio, Strength and Flex and loads more ideas.
nhs.uk/livewell/fitness/pag...
I am feeling a difference in less than two weeks.
Good luck....
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