A change for the better

[Surfingirl45]

Hello Everybody, I hope all all of your health and fitness plans are going well. I have joined to lose a bit of weight. Although I only have 2 stone to lose, I also need to pack in the fags and I drink more that I should so I am here to try and concentrate on cutting down all the bad things in my life and start exercising a bit more. I noticed once I hit '40' that my body started feeling more sluggish with the fags/drink/unhealthy eating and lack of exercise. Now that I am 45 and the sluggishness is getting worse I think it is time to take some action to try and get healthy and live a bit longer. I wish you all well on your journeys and mine is starting today

[Ceals]

Welcome Surfingirl45

This is an amazing forum to be part of. Many of people on here have different areas of concern but we are all trying to get to, or maintain, our desired weight. As you get to know us, and share experiences with us, you will find what a super supportive bunch we are, and that we don't pass judgements.

Here are a few suggestions about how to get the most out of the forum.

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 topics for ease of access and we ask that you also 'file' your own threads, so that others won't miss your important news; and you will have important news to share with us.

Have a look at the NHS 12-week plan; many people have had success with it. Also use the BMI checker to find your target calories, it's important to eat enough. This can be a major turning point, realising you can eat anything as long as the calories are accounted for and are within your personal limit.

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; that happens to me quite regularly!

The forum also has group weigh-ins every day, just choose which day you wish to weigh, join the post for that day and weigh in once per week. The Daily Diary is a very useful thread where we post our planned menu for the day, including calories if you count them, any exercise you have planned and any tips that you can share. The posts can always be found in the Events section on the 'home' page.

If you just want to chat, to say hello, or share any news or struggles then look out for the What's Happening Today thread. There are many other challenges to get involved with, just choose to do what you are comfortable with and feel free to join as many, or as few as you wish.

The grey box next to people's names are achievement badges, and as a new member of the community you have a 'Newbie' badge. We've found that to get the best out of this community, you 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.

If you are using the new HU App on your mobile phone (helpful for when you are out and about), many of features mentioned are not available; use the full website version to maximise your experience.

If you have any questions please just ask. The more you join in and connect with people the more you get out of the forum.

I wish you well as you get started with a new lifestyle.

Ceals

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

Hi and welcome, Surfingirl

I took the all round approach to getting healthy too, so quit the cigs and the alcohol at the same time as embarking on my healthy eating. I now only drink on very rare occasions and haven't smoked for two years. I've also lost 7 stone, so it is possible to do all at the same time, in fact, I think it's easier to deal with everything at the same time

Wishing you all the very best!

[Mission17 Restart Dec 2023]

You've come to the right place Surfingirl45. Everyone is very supportive on the forum and the weekly weigh-in focuses the mind. It's challenging to make too many changes at once but if you concentrate on the weightloss you will end up cutting down on alcohol anyway as it seems like such a waste of calories 😂

[matets]

You have made a great decision Surfingirl45 . Wishing you a successful journey here!

[Vsuy]

Hello Surfingirl,

I wish you all the best on your journey. I can tell you it's probably the best decision you've took and no matter what you'll be so much healthier for it !

Good luck to you too