The Start...

[Meganmegzxxxx]

So Today I start my weight loss journey, Its going to be a huge struggle. But me being bigger is not helping me with my self esteem or my confidence. I really want to do it but Im scared that I cant!

[Hidden]

I am in the same situation - and success can seem so far away it makes you wonder if it's possible. But every pound lost is a success, and even small amounts of weight loss will make you feel so much better physically and mentally. I hope that I find motivation with the numbers on the scales dropping, and knowing that each day is a chance to get it right. Best of luck, and enjoy reading through older posts to encourage you - it is helping me

[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!

[weightaminute]

Hi, I too am a newbie (I officially started on Saturday) having tried diets in the past. It is a really scary time (I don't think anyone who does not have a weight problem can possibly understand), the fear of feeling hungry, not being able to eat and not knowing what to eat.

However, I have found that since I started lurking here (about 10-days ago) the community support, knowledge and collective experience of trying to lose weight has really helped.

So come on, hang on in there. There will be times when you 'trip', but this needn't lead to a 'fall' and next time you might only 'slip'.

There's another post on here which states that 'Rome wasn't builtin a day', and that is so true.

You've taken the first huge step and recognised you want to lose weight and have declared it here, so the next step is to begin the journey.Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[fibronfedup]

Think we all had those doubts to begin with, ive been on this site for 24 weeks and have seen the difference in peoples posts since they started and its amazing, if you read through you will see we all have bad days, but the majority of the posts are positive and really inspirational. I had no confidence to a gym when i started so i do all my exercise at home or out walking, im now thinking of joining and exercise class or taking up swimming. You can do this, plan it all out in advance and get your head round it first makes it easier to deal with. This forum is here for support through the good and the bad. Wish you all the best

[eeek1110]

You aren't alone now and will get all the support, advice and motivation you need. First thing to do is to believe in yourself. What goals in life have you achieved? I passed my driving test first time when I was 39 yrs old but did have a year of lessons as I didn't have the confidence. It would have been so easy to give in but I didn't. That's how I think about my healthy eating and exercise choices. If I can drive then I sure can lose the weight.

[jenny2474]

This is the start for me to and I'm struggling as my depression is bad and my self esteem is rock bottom but my husband and 3 sons are my motivation but I know it's going to be hard and know I'm going to want to give up some days but I can't anymore so if your ever struggling I'm happy to chat anytime

[Anna999]

Hi megan, welcome to the forum, you are in good company here with lots of people who understand the struggles of weight loss. I have found the support and motivation I get from this site second to none!

You are not alone and you can do this! Each lb you lose will be a step closer to your goal! The NHS plan is a great place to start and I'd recommend using a calorie counting app such as my fitness pal to keep track of your intake. Plan your meals so you're less tempted to make impulsive eating decisions and have a stash of healthy snacks in the cupboard for emergency hunger!

I wish you the best of luck and look forward to hearing how you get on! 🌸

[Candystripe]

Hi Megan, how was your day yesterday???

Are you following the 12 week NHS choices programme? Each week it guides you through diet and exercise so that you gradually change your eating habits without it feeling like a diet. If you follow calorie counting then as Anna 999 has already said, plan your meals for the day/week in advance and if you have some spare calories a couple of days a week then have a piece of chocolate or a biscuit if you must. Try not to deprive yourself otherwise it becomes tedious and don't eat the calories you have burned off by exercising!

Take small steps at a time. I.e, if you were say 14st 5lbs then just think only of those 5lbs and aiming to get rid of them as that will take you into the 13st mark..........yay, achievement! Then once you are there, aim for 13st 12lbs, that's half a stone. Then 13st 5lbs which is a stone. Plan a small non edible treat for once you reach this!

Now by the time you have reached this milestone you will be feeling so good and so proud of yourself that you will be your own motivation to move on. You will notice your clothes are looser, family & friends will notice that you are looking good and it's everything you need to feel GREAT!

How do I know? Well last June I was 18st 4lbs and today almost five stone lighter, yes, almost 13st 4lbs (struggling a bit at the moment) but determined to succeed. I don't have to shop in outsize shops any more for my size 24 clothes, I'm now a size 16 and can shop ANYWHERE!

It hasn't been easy these last six months. I have encountered various hiccups along the way, but through it all I get back in, dust myself off and get back on track. I never thought that I had the confidence to join a gym but I need something more to give myself another kick, so yesterday joined the gym.

My bottom line is.............If you want it badly enough then nothing will stop you. It might not always be easy BUT it is always achievable!

Good luck Megan and the other newbies who have posted here. You really CAN do it, just believe in yourself and follow your dreams. X