Hi everyone,
I am 55 and seriously overweight and have been for most of my life. I am really going to give this my very best as I can feel my health suffering. I am scared I will fail - I have tried to do this so many times in my life and somehow I never succeed. That said I will try to be positive and make this the time I do succeed.
Hi and welcome, Eileen 
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 NHS 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.
To the right of the HOME page (bottom on a mobile), you'll find Events. In there, you'll find links to our daily Weigh-in's (you will choose just one day per week), our Daily Diary, where we post our menu and exercise plans, for accountability, advice and support and our “What's happening today” thread, where we pop in for a chat.
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
You can do this Eileen! Have a little faith 😊
Stick with us, read all the suggestions from Moreless, and come on and tell us how you're getting on.
Best wishes
Anna
Thank you
Hi Eileen, I know exactly what you mean. I am 55 this year and was very overweight, so I decided to lose some of it. Seven months on and I've lost 5.5 stone and am on a mIssion to lose another 3. My body has lost about seven inches from all over too. It hasn't been too bad and for me, a case of eating less rubbish and more of a sensible balance of food groups. I've started walking regularly and although my hip and knee were really bad at first and I had a lot of pain, things are easing now, as I become fitter and lighter! I do use a Fitbit and monitor calorie intake/output on it and find it helps enormously. I've also been able to buy new clothes without having to just go to Evans specifically for that purpose. Lots of like minded people here to help and support you. The very best of luck; it truly is worth it .
Oh wow. Thank you for sharing your story so far. I feel inspired. Not having to shop in big lady stores is my dream.
Hi and welcome, I agree with Vickytom now I am a size 18 I can buy clothes from so many more places. I used to get so bored as I size 22/24 just going to Evans. You can do this!
Thank you for the encouragement.
Hi and welcome Eileen505
You have definitely come to the right place, as the support here is fantastic!!!
Wishing you all the best with your weight loss journey
I a man really heartened by all the lovely comments and support in such a short time. Thank you black beauty. Here's to getting to know you all on my journey to a new me.
Welcome Eileen505 , this is a great forum with lots of support. I look forward to reading your future posts
You came to the right place for support and accountability good luck to you on your journey!!!
Welcome Eileen. I've only been active on this forum for a couple of months & felt very much like you at the start. In fact I "lurked" for a few months before I plucked up the courage to join in! Everyone here is so supportive & no one will judge you. Yes, it is scary at the start but believe me every day you will feel better - in your body and in your confidence!
For me, sucess is not only reaching the desired result for the first time. Don't give up, ever. Even with bad days and occasional weight gain, if you keep fighting you will succeed!! The first thing you need to do is stop doubting yourself and your perservearence! you can do this!!! WE can do this!!! you're definitely not alone on your journey
Hi Eileen, I've lost nearly 12 stone with 2 to go before I get into what is considered a healthy weight for 5 feet 7. It's taken me a long time because I struggle to stay on plan. The thing that helps is not to beat yourself up if you go off plan. It's what you do most of the time that shows on your body. Skinny people eat chocolate too! If you have a 'bad' meal, day or even a week, don't let yourself sink into that familiar 'I can't do this' state of mind. You're human, there will be times when you can't stick to plan, don't sweat it. I often have whole weekends when I can't seem to stay on track but then I'll go weeks when I do. That's just how it is. It's not failing it's living. Be strong when you can be for as long as you can be and don't fret. The magic will happen. X
Wow, what an amazing achievement
Thanks ZumbaNan ( cool name!). It's been a long time - few years actually but I'm finally at the point were I can walk out and feel 'normal' if you know what I mean. I'm 52 now, I've been overweight all my life - it's time to change things now. I love the fact that you zumba, there are classes near me - I ought to look into it!
It's great fun & certainly makes me sweat lol 😀
Wow Josiesmith what an incredible journey you are on and a great inspiration to all of us.😊
Thanks Kazzi, I wouldn't consider myself inspirational but it's nice to be called it! I'm not a fantastic dieter or anything like that - far from it. I don't give up easily though. I won't let things beat me. Getting on top of this eating thing is a challenge - but we like those don't we?
I would say so. To stick with it for so long is great. I am learning that skill too as patience is not one of my virtues.😊
Thank you. Your message has touched a chord as I do tend to give up when I mess up and then I struggle to restart as I think what's the point! I know that mentality is still there deep down but I plan to use this forum to help me. Messages of support like yours mean so much. Thank you for taking the time to post.
Hi Eileen, thanks for your reply. Just put one foot in front of the other. I had a seriously 'naughty' day yesterday but today is new - and so am I. Today will be a healthy day and so will the next few - it all balances. Good luck with your journey - I don't doubt you can do it
Hi Eileen
I'll be 60 in January & have yo-yo dieted for longer than I can remember.
This time feels so different. I've never been so determined & I'm actually enjoying exercise by doing zumba. I've just bought a Bollywood workout dvd, because our instructor has put a Bollywood style section into her zumba class & I love it.
I think everyone just has to find what suits them, it's not 'one size fits all' with this healthy eating & exercise malarky !
Go for it, Eileen ! My arthritis seems to have benefited from the weight loss/exercise & I can now walk up to my office on the 2nd floor without getting out of breath
Well done ZumbaNan😊My 60 year old knees are not letting me do more than brisk walking at the minute but I may join you at the Zumba soon.😊
Walking and swimming is about all I can manage at the moment but your Zumba sounds very exciting. Something to look forward to.
I was 49 when I made a last ditch attempt to ride myself of the excess baggage! Clearly though, my head was in the right place.
Here are some of my past posts which I hope you might find useful.
Enjoy your journey - were rooting for you!
healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...
healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...
healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...
healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...
Thank you - you photos are amazing and I appreciate your support.
Good luck Eileen505 I am starting the journey today as well with 14 stone to loose
Wishing you well on your journey Rainbow59.🌈😊
I wish you every success. I have 10 stone to lose but I am trying to not think about that as it seems too big. I am concentrating on small chunks - one stone at a time and one day at a time. It's all I can manage but for now it's enough. I look forward to getting to know you as we journey together.
I know how you feel as this is my story too. I'm trying to be positive about succeeding this time. I'm going to concentrate on each day and not think about the scale of my weight loss journey; day four and I'm feeling good about myself. Let's do this together with the support of this great forum.
Hi Eileen. I am 54 and very overweight myself. I also dieted since I was 16 and never succeeded as well. You can do this by thinking positively mentally,physically and healthy eating. You do this by getting on the forum by helping yourself and helping others that is how I started. I won't tell how long it to me but they are great people all in the same situations as we are. they are very encouraging and help you out. Try and you will see a new world in front of you. I wish the best for you and you can do this promise!!!
Hi I gave you 2 messages. Sorry about that
hi I gave you to messages sorry about that Eileen
Ah - thank you Wadestreet. What a lovely message of support. Today has gone well. I have stuck to my calorie intake and exercised. Feeling good. But your message brought a smile - thank you.
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