Unnecessary Stress....

Before I took up the NHS healthy lifestyle and Couch to 5k, I read it extensively and thought about the level of commitment involved. Now I was already at an advantage with a healthy diet, it just needed a few tweaks such as smaller portion size and what I chose for snacking. But in hindsight, had I been exercising apart from the portion size none of it would have been much of an issue. Before I put on the excessive 66lb I had a very physical job, so there was no need for me to exercise and I could eat anything.. yup even Macdonald's didn't stick to my hips lol... but it was only when I left that employment to drive taxi's for a living that the weight piled on, (Not a taxi driver now, back to physical work). I forgot to change the way I ate and moderate the 'naughty foods'. Anyway to the point. I think if it fits in with your plan for that day and you do exercise then ok, but to me I think cancelling out all these lovely 'naughty foods' is setting yourself up for failure because you start craving them....

Example, we all know a takeaway meal is aimed for one person when it is really enough for 2 possibly 3 people, so just take enough for 1 and if it is possible freeze the rest or share with friends or family. Treat is a once a week treat, same with any other treat. Want a bikkie with your cuppa then why not just as long as it is just one and not half the packet... ITS ALL ABOUT SELF-CONTROL.

And if you go over your calorie intake that day, don't give up, learn by your mistakes and keep going. Also if you agree with what I have said here, just one more thing, Exercise... soooooo important!!!!!

Reading this forum and what people are saying (also watching theses weight loss reality shows) there is too much stress emphasizing on punishing yourself or feeling guilty about 'naughty foods'... Believe it or not it is harder to lose weight when your stressed, enjoy what your doing and smile, even when you fall down.

Week one done, did my 3 days of couch to 5k, had my takeaway shared it with my husband last night, had a bikkie with my tea, but my scales are saying I lost half a stone. For me a takeaway is a once a month treat.

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I've done the binge eating, comfort eating and all the other eating habits that are so easy to fall into, but its like any other addiction, there is no point in trying to quit unless you are fully committed. I've tried losing weight when I wasn't really mentally ready and that's when you fall down and give up, been there so many times. This time I'm fully committed, but I will confess I do have to keep looking at this website, read the forums and constantly tell myself to get a move on.

The couch 2 5k ipod casts are brilliant, it was hard today, (first day on week 2), the run was longer but I did it, determination and not letting down my personal trainer Laura (ipodcast). Its like she's there with me pushing me, encouraging me all the way.

Also, it may sound ignorant of me, or bloody-minded but I get frustrated when people blame their bad experiences of childhood for their weight gain. I had a very upsetting childhood, witnessed things a child should never see, been bullied, I even suffered abuse from my first husband, but I would never blame it for the reason for my weight gain. My weight gain is purely down to not exercising and eating too much, end of.

If you believe in all the bad things that haunt you, then how are you ever going to get out of it, look in the mirror and say NO!!!! I am worth everything, I am a wonderful person and I WILL succeed!!!! Say it enough times and you'll start believing again....The demons that make you feel like your worthless are the weaknesses in your mind, the angels in your mind are the strength within, looking to thrive and beat the demons. Sounds loonie, but it works for me.

Sorry for being so opinionated, its just me.