Where to start

[Candy79]

Hi. So this last year I've put in nearly 3 stone. I really would like to lose it and keep it off for good. I just do not know where to start

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

Hi and welcome, Candy79

Just take things one step at a time. Start clearing out the processed food and replace it with fresh food. No diet/low fat/fat free anything. Then read and respond to all you can here and join in as many of our events, challenges and clubs that you can, starting with today's weigh-in and daily diary.

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Wishing you all the best

[Misslovely]

Hi Candy79

A lot if us are in a very similar boat!

Ive been quite fortunate most of my life with weight even after having my daughters but this past few years ive struggled to lose & just kept gaining!

I would like to lose 3.5-4 st & have tried all the fad diets going! Ive lost weight on them but cannot sustain it, its just not healthy to remain on something so restrictive so i made the decision to make the overhaul lifestyle change. I eat healthily but dont deny myself, nothings off limits & yes its slow but its the safer way and im happier that i CANT have something!

I find i behave more when i plan meals in advance and write them in the Daily Diary post on here. Its a great place where we all share our daily meal intentions and offer help on upping calories or how to make healthier food swaps etc

I also post in the Weekly weigh in post - you just need to pick a day that suits you best and stick to that day each week.

Everyone here is very friendly and offer encouragement and theres no wagging fingers or frowns at the weigh in which is great as when i did the WW or SW groups i always felt bad if i gained, didnt lose or even when i lost just 0.5 lb - its still a loss but i was made to feel uncomfortable! Its not like that here, we are all very supportive & welcomming !

Good luck xx

[Poppyrose1]

Hi Candy79

Not good on the old scale but it doesn't matter if it's 1 pound or 3 stone. What matters is how you feel inside and about yourself and of course the added and just important for health sake.

I have had a lot of health issues with chronic pain hence put on about 25kg last couple years yik I thought as I saw pics last Xmas at a family union( I actually cut and paste my pic out of a photo of myself and 3 other siblings because they looked so good and I looked well not flattering) so on that note I hadn't been able to do much due too more surgery but about 4 weeks ago my son got engaged and I remember thinking I am loosing this weight once and for all so I have gone back to the pool. Walking first and now can swim for an hour straight easy. Now that might not be your thing

But find something that is😊

Of course all what Moreless below has said about food are great ideas

and I have done many of them but this time I added also by going to a dietitian and started on 'optifast' being a very low meal replacement. So far weighed last Friday and I had loss 3.9 kg. I was so elated 😁😁 so has made my effort going forward even more

determined and if something doesn't work the first time well try something different just as we all are inside and out.

For me food portion, healthy eating and exercise that makes you feel good. So if you are still reading LOL have a lovely Xmas and New Year and start somewhere, anywhere. Yah 😃😃🎅🏼🎄🙏🏼💕Poppy

[BridgeGirl Administrator 2 stone in reply to Poppyrose1]

I hope the Optifast helps you, Poppy, but I am always in favour of food.

I read some wise words recently that I keep passing on: 'If the way in which you lose weight is unsustainable then your results are going to be unsustainable'.

In other words, a major part of losing weight is developing a new approach to eating that you can sustain and enjoy for the rest of your life. I would suggest that anything like meal replacements distracts you from that.

[Poppyrose1 in reply to BridgeGirl]

Yes of course it has its place and only under a strict adherence with GP and dietitian supervision.

[Hidden in reply to Poppyrose1]

Is that your bichon frise in the pic then?

[Poppyrose1 in reply to Hidden]

Yes she is gorgeous

[Hidden in reply to Poppyrose1]

Is she spoilt? We have a ginger tabby called baby who is 14 and very spoilt!

[Poppyrose1 in reply to Hidden]

She is spoilt hence laying on the bottom of the bed now LOL

[Candy79 in reply to Poppyrose1]

Thank you. I think I'm going to start by keeping a food diary and taking the dog for longer walks, then hopefully build on that x

[Hidden]

Start by making small changes and work your way up.

Best of luck!

[Candy79 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you x