Newbie post!

[emilydw]

Hi there!

What an incredible community this is! I joined about 10 days ago and have been trying to familiarise myself with the posts but I thought I would also introduce myself instead of just 'lurking' in the background!

I'm Emily, I'm 27 and I want to loose around 2.5 stone. I started the plan 10 days ago at 13st and by following the plan, increasing my exercise a bit and generally being a bit more mindful about what I am eating, I've lost 5lbs so far.

As long as I can remember I've felt unhappy with my weight - even as young at 10! A couple of times I've been able to stick to healthy eating long enough to get down to 12 stone, but beyond that I seem to loose motivation. I'm really hoping that this plan and this community can spur me on to finally reach my goal.

Looking forward to the journey

Emily

[IndigoBlue61]

Hello emilydw and welcome to the Weight Loss Forum and very well done on your weight loss so far.😀

Remember this is not a race, please don't be tempted to try to lose weight too fast, fat only shrinks at a rate of 1-2lbs a week.

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, as well as a new Daily Diary, 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 have a 'Newbie' badge. 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. If you have any questions please just ask

Best wishes

Anna

[JiminyCricket 7lbs]

Hi Emily and welcome! I'm glad you found this forum - its made such a difference to me, and without it I would probably not have stuck to the diet! I started at 12 1/2 stone - not much different from you - more than 6 months ago. I didn't think for 1 minute that I would stick to anything that long, especially when my weight loss has slowed right down to 2-3 lbs a month. But I'm still here. Thanks to this community.

You are doing fantastically well! 5lbs already is great. Have you joined a weekly weigh-in? Its a great way to have extra support when you need it, and of course to celebrate your achievements!

Being actively involved in the forum is what makes the most difference to me - joining chats, sharing ideas and recipes and so on - it just keeps me mindful that I am part of a healthy eating community. I'm glad you introduced yourself and look forward to seeing you around!

[emilydw in reply to JiminyCricket]

That's incredibly motivating to hear and really inspiring that you are still sticking to it after 6 months! What is especially great for me to hear is that that you are still losing 2-3 lbs a month!! In the past when I have focused on my eating, it seems to just drop off in the first 2 weeks without really trying and then completely plateau to losing 1-2lb a month and then I lose motivation, so I hope that this forum will give me the boost I'll need to persevere!

Thank you for the advice of joining a weekly weigh in, I will definitely do that!

Emily

[JiminyCricket 7lbs in reply to emilydw]

yes its really difficult to keep going when its only a couple of pounds a month. But its not a plateau - its gently and gracefully descending, and all that matters is to keep going! I lost a stone in the first month which was a fantastic motivational start, but to be honest losing slowly like this feels more life-changing and permanent. Good luck!