Newbie

[Ruths283]

Hi there. I'm new here, I found this site when looking on the NHS website for weight loss information. I've always been quite big but the past year I've let myself go, after being diagnosed with depression and anxiety. I found myself eating for comfort, and never exercising. I'm trying the couch to 5k program, and am determined now to get healthier! Any tips anyone has please pass them my way!

[IndigoBlue61]

Hello Ruths283 and welcome to the Weight Loss Forum 😊 Well done on taking the first step and on battling your health issues 😊

Here are a few suggestions on how to get the most out of the forum. Please note if you are using the new HU App many of these features are not available so I suggest you use the full website version.

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

[HubbysMissMouse]

Do make sure you check the bmi calculator for your correct calories as this varies for each person and do make sure you eat somewhere between the two amounts it states. I used to eat lower and it caused me problems and made me put on weight in the end because my body thought I was starving it and turned what I did eat into body fat instead to keep it going. Now I eat more and am finally losing weight. Good luck with your journey and hope you do really well. You will get lots of support on here and you have done the first step by joining us and realising that you want to change something. All the best.

[EllaMidlands]

Hi, welcome. Good luck on your journey. Set yourself small goals - maybe 7lb or 2kg and give yourself little non food treats as you go. Distract yourself by brushing your teeth, painting your nails. I also find using the forum really helpful for maintaining focus. Good luck!

[lunalovegreat]

Hi! I just joined myself and am pretty much in the same boat as you! So if you'd like a buddy maybe we can support each other?