Forgotten what it feels like to lose weight

I am at my heaviest ever, through pretending to not care about my weight and 'be happy as I am' but the truth is I am not happy about my weight and it is very disheartening to know how much I have to lose (77lb to be back at my 'normal' weight). I have managed to lose weight in the past, however it has been so long I have forgotten how it feels to lose weight, and it is not something I am looking forward to. Can anyone share with me the good feelings they get seeing the scales going down, and how to stay motivated when the road to success is so long? Thanks so much!

[HRHGaby]

Welcome, I hope you find what you need in this community. You'll find many motivational posts here! Start by dowloading an app on your phone to keep track of calories (Fat Secret, My Fitness Pal...), it's a great aid! Good luck!

[Hidden in reply to HRHGaby]

Thanks, I am trying to make sure I log everything I eat on MyFitnessPal this time. Reading through old posts is also really helpful.

[Meganmegzxxxx]

Im struggling as well!! It so hard to keep on top of things when you have so much going on, Just know that you can do anything that you put your mind too x

[Hidden in reply to Meganmegzxxxx]

Yep, hopefully when the numbers start to fall it will be a good motivation to continue. Good luck!

[Linmary]

Hi, have just joined this site and read your post. I soooo sympathise - I am getting on now - in my 60s - and have struggled with weight for years. Lost it and put it back on! Am now pretty heavy again and need to lose at least 42lbs. Am trying to cut down on portions/calories generally and forget about the fact I'm trying to lose. It has worked to a point as I have lost 14lb since last October. There is no getting round the fact you have to cut down and retrain yourself! If I have chocolate in and so forth, then I just eat it so I turned my back on it at the supermarket today. No use just having one piece and back in the cupboard - doesn't work for me! I don't agree with sugar alternatives - they are all chemicals; I did manage to ween myself off of sugar in drinks and on cereals many years ago; just by reducing the amount I used week on week until it came down to nothing. Now I can't bear sweet drinks and cereals! - and yet I haven't lost my sweet tooth! - but you can try small things like that which will reduce your weekly calorie intake. Good luck - you are in good company with many of us!

[Hidden in reply to Linmary]

Thanks, it's nice to know I am not alone. I haven't used a site like this before so I'm hoping the community spirit will keep me motivated and accountable. To think that this time next year I could actually be looking forward to summer rather than dreading it because of my weight! Best of luck to you too.

[fibronfedup]

welcome to the group, you should find plenty of support and motivation on this forum. My story really is started at 18st 13lbs now down to 15st 2lbs and i feel so much better, im happier, healthier and slimmer. Buying clothes is no longer a dreaded experience in fact ive become a bit of a shopaholic lol. Nothing feels better than seeing the scales go down, although i dont judge my success solely by the scales for example this week i went down a size in leggings but i gained 2lbs, but as i had stayed active and eaten well, and it was time of the month, i didnt let the gain set me back as i had still lost a size and managed more exercise than i normally would. I would recommend keep measurements in a diary along with your weigh in info, its good to see them going down each weigh in (i go for weekly weigh ins) keeps you focused and also when you ahve a bad week you can go back and see the progress you have already made. Maybe write how great you are feeling so you can go back and reflect upon those feelings when feeling low, doesnt have to be an essay just something to remind yourself

[Hidden in reply to fibronfedup]

Thanks for the advice, and well done on your fantastic progress! Noting down measurements and happiness is a good idea. It would be amazing to be able to go shopping for a smaller size - I think I will make that the first goal I work towards. Thanks

[fibronfedup in reply to Hidden]

Glad i could help, its a great feeling thank you. Hope you reach your goals

[ngm_uk]

Hi Catriona, welcome to the network! I just joined yesterday and I know EXACTLY how you feel... my ultimate goal is to lose 102 lbs (just over 50% of my current weight) and I'm still in disbelief that I let myself get that bad. Denial is an awful thing.

I've never lost any weight before, my life has been one great BIG decline into obesity. I was active as a kid but always the largest in the class and now at 26, I'm 16st.

We are with you every step on the way! I joined this network to make friends with people on the same journey as me, in hopes it helps me stay focused and motivated with people that really understand the struggle. The response has been phenomenal... they are a good bunch here.

I'm following the 'NHS 12 week weight loss plan' and 'NHS 12 week fitness plan' to get me started and using the 'My Fitness tracker' app to log my food intake and 'MisFit Shine' to keep me motivated... if you want to add me I think my username is NGM_UK for everything.

[eeek1110]

Welcome! It's a "wake up day" for you and you know you've lost weight in the past so do have willpower to do it. I aim for 1lb at a time and if lose more then it's a bonus. Just think you could be 52lbs lighter this time next year. Take it one day at a time and keep positive. I felt better once I cut down on junk food and am amazed I can walk past it in supermarkets now and don't feel that strong urge anymore. Do your best and believe in yourself. Keep in touch!

[Hidden in reply to eeek1110]

Thanks, it's good to hear that urges can dull down. 1lb at a time sounds doable - I think that's the key, just to do your best each day and it'll eventually all add up.

[Dollyfrog]

I feel scared to try cos I'm afraid I. Might fail. I'm not scared of dieting. Just failing. But I am trying to remember how it felt to look in the wardrobe and enjoy clothes. Visualization is really good. But have to have a reason which is yours alone.

Remember you can succeed. And remember there are no quick fixes. Someone sent me a post saying just 1lb is going in the right direction.

Good luck

[Carol2399]

Very useful advice in this particular post! It's the little changes which will make the most significant changes. Many thanks for sharing!