Starting out.

[Rachey11]

So this is really difficult for me to post as it's me finally admitting that I really do need to focus on losing this weight now. I need to lose 3st of my 15st 6lbs just to reach the top end of the healthy BMI. I've never really been keen on exercise and when I've tried to diet before I last a few days then go back to my old eating habit, but I know that I have to try and do this 12 week programme and I need support which I know I Won't get at home. Thanks for reading x

[Sd33]

Well done on getting started, that's the hard bit done! Best thing to start with is to find out what works best for you. I joined a netball team after 10 years of not playing and I barely notice the hour of exercise pass by I enjoy it so much. Running on the other hand was really tough to begin with I could barely run 100 meters but having stuck at it I can now run 10k without stopping and it's so lovely to be outside and watch the seasons go by - so have a bit of exploration into what exercise you could fit into your routine and enjoy. Eating on the other hand is probably going to require giving up a lot of nice things but that doesn't mean you stop enjoying eating. For example roasted sweet potato, tuna mayonnaise and salad is really delicious but so much better than a pizza for you. There are loads of hints and tips on this group and you will also realise we have struggles in common - you won't be short of support!

Good luck on your journey!

[abi5]

It is doable! I still have lots to loose to be a healthy weight but I have gone from 97 kilos to 83 kilos in 2 and a half years. I have the occasional blow out and I go back up to 85/86 but now I know what works and have been able to get back down pretty quickly. I make sure that I log my weight and my waist measurement once a week and when I am being good log everything that I eat on my fitness pal. If you are logging what you eat I think you make better choices. I have found that having a big healthy breakfast works for me. I have 2 tablespoons of oats, an omega seed mix, milled flaxseed (really cheap in Lidl and Aldi) , wheat bran and a handful of fresh fruit (raspberries or blueberries, a chopped apple, a banana or chopped kiwi) Don't have dried fruit as they have loads of added sugar. I have also switched to soya or almond milk as it seems to make my tummy bloat less than cows milk. I also limit my bread intake at lunch. I have a huge variety of crackers and rice cakes so that I don't get bored. I also eat a lot of tinned fish and hummus or I would have cheese on toast every day for lunch!! Avoid the naughties ie crisps and choc but don't say never or you only end up binging. Drink loads of water and switch to herbal tea. Try not to drink too much alcohol. I only treat myself to a bottle of wine at the weekends now! I walk everyday. Sometimes that is for half and hour sometimes for an hour and a half depending on time. I have done the couch 2 5k running podcasts which are fab. I would never had believed that I could run for that amount of time. Swimming is good too as is relaxing and doesn't feel so much of an effort! I bought smaller plates for dinner which has helped our portion control. I plan ahead my meals each week also so not tempted to get takeaway or a frozen pizza! Good luck and keep in touch. Thanks for the follow. I will send you a link to my 'my fitness pal' page if you want to join

[Yvonnenanny1965]

U can do it.... I have got another 7 stone to lose....I use an app MyNetDiary to log food exercise weight loss ect....since joining this site I have started cycling,swimming and using my treadmill...its great to come on here and realise I'm not the only 1 struggling with so much weight to lose xxxx

[Hidden]

Hi Rachey11. Lots of people on here can't really explain their feelings about needing to lose weight to the people around them, which is why this site is really invaluable. We're all going through the same thing, and there's certainly no shame in admitting needing to lose weight - that will only be celebrated here. Now you mention that you need to lose 3 stones to only just reach the top end of a healthy BMI. Imagine the reality of that change, it's going to be major. At a BMI of 25 you may not need to lose any more weight - you may not even need to go that far to feel healthy and slim again - BMI is just a guide. You will gain amazing fitness and resolve in the process, and you will start feeling the change much earlier than you think. So it's good to start with a smaller more manageable goal. Try siming to lose half that - 1.5 stone - on the 12 week plan. This is achievable at an average rate of approx 1-2lb a week. Then after week 12 you carry on until you reach your final goal - week 13, week 14, etc. Lots of luck for your journey

[Gonti 10 kg]

Hi Rachey11. Best of luck. Have to start somewhere and posting here is a great part of getting started. My advise, take all your measurements now - hip, thigh, waist, neck, upper arm. Add to the same notebook all your own current health woes eg headache, joint pains, itching, poor sleep, sad feelings etc. In four weeks time all of those will be a bit better in some way and you might need that list! For example I am on week 8 of the plan, I have lost "only" 10lbs of weight but about 6 inches of my waist and have dropped two dress sizes to an 18. No headaches for weeks. Permanently sore from gym and swimming. Permanently good tempered from the exercise. You will do this in your own way. I hope you post again so we know how you get on.💐

[Biblia]

Hello Rachel,

You will find oodles of support here.

The best advice I've heard recently on keeping the weight off once its gone (and it will go if you calorie count honestly) is not to diet. No commercially promoted diet. Lots of people here say the weight came back once they left Slimming World, for example. Instead, change your diet to a daily workable and sustainable plan.

In a way, I've kind of gone back to early 1950s food - mostly home cooked or unprocessed, with cakes, crisps etc reserved for parties and special occasions. Very few people were obese in the '50s because they didn't view treats as something for everyday, and I do find that way of thinking useful.

I hope something here is useful to you, and wish you every success.

[Rachey11]

Thanks everyone for all your support and advice it's really helped me this last week. I've managed to follow a healthy eating and done walking everyday and lost 5lbs this week. Thanks again x