First post and getting back to my old self.

[Aspiringrunner1]

Hi this is my first post to this forum. I'm a 38 yr old Mum of twins who needs to lose 2 and a half stone to get back to my 'happy' weight. I can't believe I've managed to put on so much weight over 2 years (most of the weight put on in the past 6 months whilst taking anti depressants which I have recently stopped). So last week I joined the gym and have my induction tomorrow. Since stopping the antidepressants and with the help of counselling I'm feeling more motivated to tackle my weight gain. I can follow a diet plan however I do comfort eat (if for instance the boys are off nursery I will constantly check the fridge and cupboards and will eat for the sake of eating). Also after a couple of days dieting I become almost obsessive with weighing myself and this acts as a self sabotage in that if I do not see the desired figures on the bathroom scales I get upset and comfort eat and then feel rotten about myself.

I've successfully used SW in the past and found this a 'do able' diet plan, I found the weekly weigh ins motivated me to stick to plan however my funds do not stretch to gym and SW membership. My questions are, How do others stick to plan and stay motivated? and what do you use to track your progress?

[IndigoBlue61]

Hello Aspiringrunner1 and welcome to the weight loss forum 😊 Well done for taking control, you will soon feel fitter and healthier. I find exercise very helpful as a distraction and appetite suppressant, I see your username suggests you would like to run? Have you seen the C25K programme? Many people do well on it 😊

Here are a few more suggestions you may find helpful 😊

The first place to look is at the Pinned posts section to the right of your screen (bottom if you're using a mobile), read the Welcome Newbie thread first and move through to the challenges, where we hope you'll find at least one that will appeal to you 😊

Move down to the Topics, to find a variety of threads, collated into specific topics for ease of access and we ask that you also 'file' your own threads, so that others won't miss your important news 😊

Have a look at the NHS 12 week plan, as many people have had success with it. Also use the BMI checker to find your target calories, it's important to eat enough. This was a major turning point for me, realising I could eat anything I wanted as long as the calories are accounted for 😊

Don't forget to take your starting measurements and a 'before' picture, as they can be very motivating on days that the scales refuse to co-operate 😊

The forum also have group weigh-ins every day if you wish to take part. The posts can always be found in the Events section on the 'home' page 😊

You'll notice a grey box next to people's names, these are achievement badges, and as a new member you may have a 'Newbie' badge. If you have any questions or would like a Newbie badge please just ask 😊

We've found that to get the best out of this community, we need to be active on the forum, as it's where we exchange information, get motivation and inspiration and make friends. We hope that you'll join us here, regularly, too 😊

Best wishes

Anna

[Aspiringrunner1 in reply to IndigoBlue61]

Thank you Anna

[Dave1961 25kg]

Comfort eating, obsessive scale checking, depression? I think that a LOT of us can identify with all of this.

Interested to hear that you are off the antidepressants. I myself left them behind 4 or 5 months ago and replaced them with magnesium and feel a million percent better. My mood is up, I have more energy and I am just generally happier. Here's a post I did a little while ago - its not very long, have a look and see what you think. I am a massive magnesium fan and its really changed things for me for the better.

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

Get a Fitbit. They are relatively cheap (probably one weeks worth of snacks :), dead easy to use and very motivating. I got tje one without the face display and just has 5 lights on it. Sounds ridiculous;y basic but it really does work to keep you interested in those steps and the phone app is fantstic if you really want to analyse how you are going. Replace your scales with a Fitbit!

I also love the Myfitnesspal app and swear by it esp. when you are first starting.

I thought I knew everything about calories and having to document everything I ate seemed time consuming and useless BUT this app is quick and easy and actually kinda fun to use for planning as well. And it links to my Fitbit. And its free!

Finally maybe make a lit of all the things you keep meaning to do but don't get around to like giving yourself a facial or cleaning out your closet to give some clothes to charity or cleaning the toilet with a toothbrish - whatever tyickles your fancy lol

And when you have those times when you are wanting to snack instead you can cross one of those thiongs off your list.

Hope these helped.

I know you can do this and your beautiful twins are worth it. (Yes I have no shame and will use emotional blackmail as required :D)

[Aspiringrunner1]

Thank you Dave for your advice. I didn't know about Magnesium, I was thinking of buying some B vitamins and will add this to my list. A fitbit sounds good, at the moment I have a simple Omron pedometer but really do love a gadget. It's nice to know I'm not on my own the way I feel and that other people have 'been there'.