Mum with a Goal

[MumwithGoals]

Hello Everyone,

I'm starting the 12 week weight loss plan today. I'm planning to lose about 11kg as I need to get more healthy prior to trying for a baby next year. I had quite a serious health scare following the birth of my first baby - which I think was partly if not mostly due to me being overweight before and during the pregnancy. Most importantly I have a happy healthy 2 year old now who amazes me more and more each day and now its time to make some lifestyles changes in order to provide a brother or sister to join my little lad and make our family complete.

Any tips on the plan or encouragement would be greatly appreciated. My biggest challenged is being organised enough to plan the meals around a full time job and full time mummy to a toddler.

Thanks in advance,

Mum with a Goal

[Ceals]

Welcome MumwithGoals

As the mum of a toddler, and working, you will be used to organising your time. I have found that the more organised I am with my meal planning the better it is for me.

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

[MumwithGoals in reply to Ceals]

Thank you Ceals, really useful reply and has helped me understand the forum and how to use it much better. Mum with Goals

[matets]

Welcome to this forum MumwithGoals ! To succeed in this journey you really have to strive to get organized otherwise you can find it overwhelming. Since you work full time including being a full time mom, you really have to sacrifice some time into your schedule to prepare healthy meals in advance, especially during your free time. This will go a long way in reducing stress and the decisions that you have to make on a day to day basis on what to prepare for your meals. Prepare meals that can cater for the entire family as much as possible. With time, you will find it sustainable and easy.

All the very best in your journey.

[MumwithGoals in reply to matets]

Thanks Matets. Do you do your plans weekly and shop for the week or is it a day before routine? Mum with Goals

[matets in reply to MumwithGoals]

I prefer weekly and when time allows I can do bi-weekly. I buy meats, grains (beans, lentils, brown rice) and veggies like broccoli in bulk; cook, portion and freeze. Other veggies or eggs, I would stock and refrigerate and cook on rotational basis coz they don't take much time to prep and cook. The frozen foods I defrost the night before use.

[Hidden]

Congrats on your little one and hope for a new one. You can do it. We'll be here for you.

[MumwithGoals in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Melhall xx

[13Valerie]

Great for you. The changes you make will be beneficial to your family as well. You are a fantastic role model 😊