Need some help!!!!!

[Moominmama2]

Hi Lovely people. I am 59, have secondary progressive Multiple Sclerosis and weigh 17 stone. I am on medications which increase my appetite and have many courses of oral steroids. These undoubtedly haven't helped but I have a very sweet tooth and comfort eat so much of the time. I crave cake in particular but am happy to have chocolate, biscuits etc.

Earlier this year my husband had a massive stroke and life has been even more difficult since then. On top of that I care for my 98 year old father who lives close by. I try to remain upbeat and know that overeating is not helping my health, but I never seem to do anything about it.

I would be happy to hear from anyone who has any suggestions which might help kick-start me on the road to a more healhy lifestyle.

Wishing you all health and happiness xx

[YellowRose55]

Hi Moominmama2 and welcome to the weight loss forum.

Your not along with the comfort eating and have made the first step to a healthier you by joining the forum.

You are invited to join our Newbie Club, where you can meet other new members who are just beginning their weigh loss journeys too. Here's the link for all the information you will need to find your way around the forum:

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

Write a brief note to introduce yourself to other newbies and I'm sure you'll be making friends, in no time.

Good luck with your first week.

[Anna_8888 Maintainer]

Hi Moom!

I also deal with progressive MS and started gaining weight simply because of the fact I'm very inactive and used food and wine as a distraction.

I don't think the steroids and meds are to blame. For me it was the food and snacks.

Things started to get out of hand so the GP and I had a good look at what was reasonable.

Losing 20 kilo's is my goal, am on 1200 Calories a day now with minimum exercise sadly but on good days I walk the stair's or try to be active.

It's boring but I keep thinking of the health benefits.

Good luck, here to listen

[Anna_8888 Maintainer in reply to Anna_8888]

Oh I started late May this year

[Moominmama2 in reply to Anna_8888]

Hi Anna,

I think I just use the medication as an excuse and know really that my uncontrolled snacking is the major culprit in my weight gain!!!!

Have you managed to lose any weight since you started in May?

I wish you all the luck in the world as it is difficult when you can't exercise. I'm going to try and cut out sugar from my diet and start there and hope for some gradual, sustainable weight loss.

Keep me updated on your progress and thanks for replying. Looking forward to telling you that I've lost a few pounds hopefully soon! xx

[Anna_8888 Maintainer in reply to Moominmama2]

Yes I've been very diligent and lost 16 kilos so far 😃

I seem to have hit a pleatau this week but people here adviced me to move food around and cut more carbs. I only weigh myself once a week on Wednesdays so am hoping that will do the trick.

[Moominmama2 in reply to Anna_8888]

Thats fabulous. Do you feel healthier since your weight loss? xx

[Anna_8888 Maintainer in reply to Moominmama2]

My heart palpitations have gone and feeling lighter is much better but otherwise not a whole lot of difference yet sadly

[Justswimming]

Have you.ever tried Atkins they have yummy meal bars? Its based on protein fiber and cutting back on carbs. The chocolate cookie crunch bar is good for a sweet tooth.

[Moominmama2 in reply to Justswimming]

Haven't tried Atkins but have heard it has some pretty dramatic results. Thanks for the suggestion and good luck with your own weight loss journey xx

[Lola101]

Hi, I joined this a few months ago and just read what everyone else was doing but did nothing myself. Because I wasn't dieting. Then I read about having a cold bath in the morning, walking a couple of times a week and cutting down cards and avoiding processed sugars where possible. 3 weeks in feel great in general, don't know about the weight loss but clothes feel better. Find what works for you. By the way cold bath is a psychological thing ad well it starts me off achieving something immediately. Good luck.

[13Valerie]

Hi and welcome.. I've multiple sclerosis too... diagnosed 21 years and i know your struggle only too well.

A healthy diet will help you nourish your body to best overcome your many daily challenges.

Fresh air is great, even a little stroll in the day time to get your vitamin D from the sunlight. It's really important to keep your body moving within your limits.

And losing weight will help with your mobility and energy levels... you'll likely feel less fatigue.

I wish you all the very best. Be brave and dare to dream that it will all work out well for you.😊

[Moominmama2 in reply to 13Valerie]

Thank you Valerie for your understanding. It is a struggle to cope with MS and try to eat healthily as sometimes I don't have the energy to cope with making meals. Since my husband had his stroke I need to care for him and I have to organise our food since he can't.

I feel determined to make healthier choices for the both of us. I don't want to 'diet' as such, just cut out processed sugar and get a little bit of exercise.

I so appreciate your reply and wish you everything that is good in life. xx

[13Valerie]

A few tips i find useful and practical...

I use my slow cooker to batch cook and freeze. It also allows me to get the cooking done early in the day when I've energy. I buy carrots and turnip that's already chopped.

I find internet shopping for groceries great. It saves all the pushing trollies around, parking and lugging shopping into the house.

I get a lot of my clothes online too.. I get everything sent to my house and try it all on when I'm getting ready for bed. No trying to get undressed in changing rooms and looking for my size in clothes. Then return in one trip what I don't want.

Rest is essential and a purposeful activity. Your body will be thankful.

Develop a repetoire of simply prepared meals for nourishment when energy is low.. mushroom omlette, cheese on toast, chicken wrap, porridge and banana....

Cultivate a happy atmosphere at home with your husband.... light a candle when you're having dinner or spend an afternoon at the cinema or coffee shop together. You're a team and you rely on each other.

You're doing a great job with all you've had to cope with and now you're taking positive steps for your health. I wish tou all the love in the world 💜💛💚

[matets in reply to 13Valerie]

Awesome tips there 13Valerie !

[13Valerie in reply to matets]

Thanks matets all from hard experience having 3 small kids and multiple sclerosis.

Wishing you all the best on your weightloss journey too!!😊