I'm new here...

[Ed-Alexander]

I'm a 45 year old serial dieter who needs to turn his weight (18 stone) around NOW and I'm looking to join a supportive, informative online forum/community. Thanks, Ed.

[EllaMidlands]

Hi, you have come to the right place! We are mostly lovely (some of us are a bit odd) and we try to be supportive at all hours. So what sort of healthy eating plan are you going to follow? Personally I don't calorie count, I cut down on carbs by cutting out bread, potato, rice. I was 23 stone now almost 17. I started in September. I think whatever you do needs to be sustainable otherwise you will lose a bit and then give up. Have you lost weight before?

[Ed-Alexander in reply to EllaMidlands]

Thanks. I have tried the John Briffa diet which is kind of like Atkins (no carbs). My real weakness has always been following diets al day, then 2 am bingeing – cheese sandwiches and crisps are particular weaknesses – and eating because I’m underslept and crave the insulin hit that tiredness induces.

The only diet I’ve ever done that worked for me was not eating after 5 pm. I’m trying to get back into that now by taking up the 8/16 diet – where you can only eat in an 8 hour window. I’ve had a few good days on that and I’ve also tried a range of hypnosis CDs – Paul Mackenna and others – they have an effect for sure but I’ve found if you don’t listen to them regularly, their influence wanes pretty quick.

[EllaMidlands in reply to Ed-Alexander]

What wakes you up at 2am to go binging? Having a cut off time for eating is probably a good idea. Do you work? How much are you looking to move about? I am trying to incorporate more exercise but I do believe diet is more important cus if I didn't control what I put in my mouth no amount of exercise would shift it.

[Ed-Alexander in reply to EllaMidlands]

Congrats on losing 6 stone btw - that's awesome!

Just a night owl so that's half my problem - I've tried brushing my teeth etc.. to try and put a full stop at the end of the eating for a given day but in the end it comes down to willpower !

Re: exercise I've put the Nike running app on my phone and try and walk 5-10 miles a week, not enough I suspect, but better than nothing I guess - I agree with you that exercise doesn't really help if you're not watching what you're eating - I used to live in the States and had a personal trainer - i got strong and spread my weight around but I never lost that much despite gruelling work-outs three times a week....

[EllaMidlands in reply to Ed-Alexander]

Willpower is going to be your friend then - go and get some ready! Set mini goals - half a stone or something. You won't need to lose much before you start to feel happier about it all. It really does get easier once you get into it. 🤞

[Ceals in reply to Ed-Alexander]

Forget willpower Ed-Alexander and go for won't power. Decide what you won't put on your mouth. Could be a different thing each day and your tastebuds gradually change. I used to be a crisp monster and haven't eaten one since January. Sweet tooth has departed and processed foods I could no longer bring myself to eat. I lose weight very slowly to I have to be patient and recognise that it also went on very slowly.

This is THE place for support. Good luck

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

Hi and welcome, Ed

Take a look at the Pinned posts section to the right of your screen (bottom if you're using a mobile), or in the drop down on the 'Posts' page (it says 'arrange by'). Read the Welcome Newbie thread, then 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.

Take a look at the NHS 12 week plan, as a lot of people have been successful with it, making sure to enter your details into the BMI calculator, to get a calorie allowance tailored to your personal requirements. 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.

We run daily weigh-in's and you'd be very welcome to join us. The threads can always be found in the Events section, to the right of the HOME page, bottom on a mobile.

We also run a Daily Diary, where we share our meal and exercise plans for the day. It's a great place to get ideas and to keep us focused. The link can also be found in Events.

Be aware, that the HU app doesn't give you access to all of our important features, so we advise that you use the full website page.

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.

It's only left for me to wish you well on your journey

[Ed-Alexander in reply to moreless]

thank you , that's very helpful. The daily weigh-in is exactly what I need!

[EllaMidlands in reply to Ed-Alexander]

You pick one day of the week to join the weighin then stick to that same day.

[George56]

Good luck Ed, you are in the right place.

George 56

[Minniewinny 5 stone Maintainer]

Hi Ed-Alexander You have joined the right forum for your needs.

Great achievers here who will share their understanding, not just "clipboard diet advice" but real people who have learnt along their own personal journies to make changes that have made the difference they set as their goals.

Wishing you great success on your goals.. Cheering you on 🎉🎉🎉

[Ed-Alexander in reply to Minniewinny]

Thank you, much appreciated -real people and real advice is exactly what I was after!

[Redsra in reply to Ed-Alexander]

There must be something magic about this site as I only signed up yesterday and today I have stuck to my 12 week plan limit and I've been swimming!

[EllaMidlands in reply to Redsra]

There's something magic about YOU because you stuck to it and you went swimming. Now you can stick to it tomorrow as well because you have shown yourself you can do it 🌟

[Minniewinny 5 stone Maintainer in reply to Redsra]

well done Redsra You are a star!

[Bernieis8]

Well done we have to hope long term and think and act short term

A good day is worth repeating