I am new to this, but need some encouragement to stay on track.

[Marion_63]

My main problem when I start weight regimes is staying power. Exercise is hard as I suffer with osteoarthritis of the spine and never know when the pain is going to effect my activity. Evenings are the worst time for me food wise, but I am determined to succeed this time. I have started calorie counting again so thought after getting my BMI result from NHS and finding out what weight I should be would be a good start. I need to lose about 3 stone and I was thinking of doing it in small goals at a time. Has anyone got any thoughts on this?

[Minniewinny 5 stone Maintainer]

Hi Marion_63

Totally agree that small or mini goals are best as your not aiming for too big a number to reach. You will find much encouragement on the forum and the more you get involved with the events, challenges and posts, the more you will get out of it.

Cheering you on 🎉🎉🎉

[Marion_63 in reply to Minniewinny]

Thank you! I weighed in at 12st 11lb and hopefully can stay focused on small steps. My plan for tomorrow is to start some walking.

[Minniewinny 5 stone Maintainer in reply to Marion_63]

That's great, but please do listen to your body, don't overdo things that will prevent your progress long term.

Enjoy the different menu ideas on the daily diary and if you'd like to add your start weight to today's weigh in they would be happy to have you join them.

There is a weigh in for each day of the week. And they are found in the events area.

[Marion_63 in reply to Minniewinny]

Yes I will listen to my body but it will only be a small walk and I will build it up slowly. I will also go to todays weigh in.

[Honey10 1lb]

Good evening Marion,

Forum will give you lots of support and encouragement. Also might like nhs weight for it classes, to give additional support. Your can self refer to these classes.

Wishing you lots of success in your weight lose journey x

[Marion_63 in reply to Honey10]

Thank you for your information on classes. I will look into that.

[Ceals]

Well done for joining us Marion_63 you will find this is a great place for motivation and inspiration. Come on the forum regularly and join in the chat, get to know people and Yes, I agree, take it a bit at a time.

Good luck and enjoy your journey.

[Marion_63 in reply to Ceals]

Thank you so much. I have just recorded my first weigh in. So here goes.

[Ceals in reply to Marion_63]

It will go well, positive attitude and all that. This forum really does work magic for those who really commit to it.

[Marion_63 in reply to Ceals]

I am determined to get my weight down this time. My health will only improve with the weight off.

[Ceals in reply to Marion_63]

I too joined this forum because of health issues, well that is what prompted me to find it.

Haven't looked back. There is so much love, care, concern and support it is truly amazing. From walking 5 mins (very slowly and tentatively) I an now doing the Couch to 5k programme - I genuinely have to pinch myself to believe I am doing it.

[Minniewinny 5 stone Maintainer in reply to Ceals]

You are a great encouragement too Ceals

[Marion_63 in reply to Ceals]

I've had so much encouragement today and am really looking forward to continuing on this road.

[Ceals in reply to Marion_63]

Brilliant!

[18health]

I would love to lose about a stone in weight - but I have osteoarthritis of the spine; too much exercise would not help it. Maybe I should try small goals to lose weight.

18 health

[Marion_63 in reply to 18health]

Yes I know exactly where you are coming from. A lot of the time I can be ok but about eight weeks ago I wasn't feeling so good and my back was really bad. I went to doctors because I let it go for a few weeks thinking it was my arthritis but the pain was catching my breathe. It turned out to be a chest infection so after taking antibiotics for a week it seems to have settled, but I had lost some weight and decided it would be a good time to take advantage of the weight loss. I am eating very healthy and calorie counting (not too rigid though).

Exercise has been none existent over this time but I have decided after my first weigh in yesterday that I will do a little walking this week. I am also going to do small steps so I can succeed this time.

[Gillian88]

Welcome Marion, Nice to know there are others out there that need to loose 3 stone too

It’s just a number though keep that in mind, keep positive, determined and have a sense of humour while your burning off the pounds. I too will be long side you as I too need to loose three stone 👍😊

[Marion_63 in reply to Gillian88]

Thanks Gillian I am feeling more positive this time round. We can really do this in small steps.

[13Valerie]

Hi and welcome... yes mini targets are the way to go😊

[Marion_63]

Thank you!

[Overweightrider]

Hello, I understand that the arthritis support website gives a list of known irritant foods - that can help you to know what to avoid in order to reduce pain and the number of painkillers needed to live your normal life. Personally I find that it's strawberries, blackcurrants, oranges, grapefruit, raw tomatoes and red wine that affect me the worst. It's been years since I checked for updates to their advice but I expect it's pretty similar. My pain must be minimal compared to yours but I find it debilitating not being able to walk comfortably for more than 15-30 minutes, so I cycle as much as possible, even the 500m to our local shop. Losing weight is going to make a difference to all of us coping with arthritis. I'm just starting week 10 and intend doing the 12 week plan as many times as necessary until I've reached a size 12. The forum is my core support.

Best of luck.

[Marion_63 in reply to Overweightrider]

Thank you for your support. I am afraid I will need to still choose walking as exercise as I bought a bike when I worked for M. Steele Cycles but I feel very unsafe on the roads. I get very nervous.

[Overweightrider]

Only you can decide what is your way forward; it sounds like strict calorie counting to keep within your limits and very gentle exercise is going to be best for you. Take heart and grab that glass of water!

[CruzLevy]

Yes, I am new also. I am trying for 2 pounds a week. But would be happy with 1. I think that if you look at progress no matter how small, it is still a step in the right direction. Hang in there!