Newbie yay!

[Amber17]

Hi everyone I've been skulking around for a couple of weeks readying myself to start again on the weight loss trail and here I am ready as I will ever be! I think calorie counting will be my best option now so I'm looking at finding a good counting site, I use my fitness pal but it's not very correct and I would like to see more info on breakdown of nutrients, as it shows carbs and fat as whole rather than splitting them, for me sugar and bad fats are the things I want to watch and not too much fibre as I have IBS, so a no no for me! Does anyone use a good site, I'm going to trial weight loss resources today, but advice would be great.

I have spent so many years following every diet under the sun, I love cooking and have so many cookbooks but nothing seems to work, I loose a few kilos then it goes back on, middle age spread! Whilst my husband can fast and eat and drink and loose weight, so annoying. So back to basics, although with low fodmaps and no gluten, I'm going to calorie count and not cut out whole groups and feel grumpy.

I have been living in France for 11 years the home of the baguette and great patisserie, but I'm gluten intolerant, which is a good thing perhaps otherwise I would be even bigger! They are very behind and the gluten free products are not great, I miss Uk and marks & Spenser, anyway that's another story!

Anyway Day 1, walked dogs and had breakfast and feeling positive . What's everyone else doing today?

[Ceals]

Welcome Amber17

I think many people skulknaround befor joining in so you are not unusual in that. One of the topic threads available from the home button is activity/calmtrackers. If you look there you will find several discussions about exactly the topic you are interested in.

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

[IndigoBlue61]

Hello and welcome Amber17

Lucky you living in France! I never understood how French women stayed so slim and gorgeous until I watched one pick at her food and only eat two small mouthfuls followed by a black coffee and a cigarette!! Lol 😂

Calorie counting is the best way in my opinion, and you will have access to wonderful fresh produce in France 😊

I use the NHS calorie checker, but also bought a little book on nutrition which I recommend if you feel you need it. Sarah Brewer, beginners guide to nutrition

Best wishes

Anna

[Amber17 in reply to IndigoBlue61]

Thanks. yes lucky everyone thinks that, but it can be very lonely but it's beautiful and vegetables are wonderful and fresh, good job I like veg! I miss uk, mad that I am, I want to work as France is for retiring, not ready yet! Yes a lot of french are slim, although they seem to smoke like troopers here, shocking how young they start. Things are changing though as the fast food market has arrived, not like the uk but they love Macdonalds and pizzas. And ready meals too, sad really. They are a different build in general too and they don't snack either, although the young do now. Read a great book on that once.

I have decided after having another look at weight loss resources and nutracheck that I will stick with my fitness pal, as I have to set every item up again, which takes far too long and a lot of french food is on the site already. I will use the NHS one too for quick reference that's helpful thanks.

Looking forward to looking around this site, looks great and supportive, thanks for your comments. Going off to do zumba now!