The story so far.....

[Koomie]

So since September 2014, when I finally decided to take control of my health, I've lost 2 1/2 stones. I've done it, and continue to do it by having changed my diet and exercise. I started at 16 stone 7, and am now bang on 14.

You hear the experts harping on about doing this, and you think oh is that all (sarcastically) but the reality is, it is true. I can't lie, it was bloody hard to begin with, but then you get into a routine and it becomes part of your life. Now nothing compares to the buzz I get from completing a spin or pump class.

I think it's about finding a method that works for you, things like the 5:2, and sticking to it.

You won't lose weight over night, remember you didn't put it on with that level of speed, so be patient with yourself. So long as you're doing what you're supposed to, it will happen.

For me I have 3 tools that are helping me on this journey immensely:

1. My fitness Pal app - brilliant accountability tool. I track everything that I eat, down to that one grape I just stole from my fridge just now. You never really know how much you consume until you note it down.

2. Food scale - I weigh all my food so I can record it correctly in MFP. It was enlightening to find out what the correct portion size is for cereal, as opposed to what I was eating before I tell you!!!

3. My polar heart rate monitor, I never workout without it! I found that through using the monitor that the equipment in the gym (treadmill, cross-trainer etc) were very generous in the calories they said you burnt in session. The monitor gives a truer reflection, and as such makes me work harder.

I've still got a lot more weight to lose, I'm not going for a number though. Basically I want to one day look in the mirror and say you did it girl!!!

Good luck to everyone on this journey, and know that it is hard and you want to revert sometimes, but you'll be so glad you started trying once you're seeing results.

Am I glad I'm doing this, yes. Will I continue, yes.....will I achieve my goal, HELL YES!!

[chrissy47]

inspirational.

[gingernut49]

Good for you!!! 5:2 is brilliant, isn't it!

[Diana]

Actually I've never found the journey that tough, yeah a bit, not a workout person, do walk a lot tho, I find drinks herbal tea, and the like ( I hate carbonated stuff), helps massively to stop the 'binges' , I think once you learn hunger and cravings are not the same, it helps too.

Only a bit to lose now about 4lbs then I 'll be happy!

[Koomie in reply to Diana]

I totally agree with you, herbal tea is a God send. However I still eat if I'm hungry, I just reach for fruit instead of a kitkat like I would have done before. Good luck on losing that final 4!!!

[Diana in reply to Koomie]

Thanks, so much and yet so little, had a brunch today, and will have a roll tonight, trying to be good, yesterday wasn't great, and neither was Tuseday, another week starts tomorrow!

[Koomie in reply to Diana]

I've heard the less you have to lose, the harder it is. And it doesn't matter if you have a bad day, that's life.....it's all about not having continuos bad days, because you know where that leads!!

You'll do it!

[Diana in reply to Koomie]

I do, generally i' m craving less and more determined, you need to be stricter if less to lose!

[tootsiepops]

Well done and I don't doubt you will acheive your goal. I did too and as you say, determination and patience pays off. Congratulations....

[LindaGill]

Wow well done! I have 3-4 stone to lose & you are an inspiration. Good luck with your continued weight loss

[Koomie in reply to LindaGill]

4 stones, that's amazing......well done you, now THAT is inspirational!!!!

[Anniehalfcent]

Congratulations motivating to hear how well you have done starting onto my 3rd week know what you meN about it being tough to start with ☺